SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 9/20/2019 1153381 Dallas Eakins says Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf is on 1153411 Breaking down the candidates for a top-six role with the board with new plan Stars at forward 1153412 Inside the Stars crease: Anton Khudobin on hockey in Houston, ATVs in Siberia and fun 1153382 Could Vinnie Hinostroza be next up for a long-term contract with Arizona Coyotes? 1153383 ‘Just really, really good’: Coyotes’ Nik Hjalmarsson was 1153413 Red Wings didn't think looked like a player. born to play defense He proved them wrong 1153384 Neutral Zone: Phil Kessel and the power play a major 1153414 Red Wings' Dylan Larkin not worried about 'nagging' foot focus in training camp injury, hopes to play soon 1153415 Moritz Seider, Taro Hirose stand out in Red Wings exhibition loss 1153385 Bruins top Flyers ‘A’ squad for first preseason win 1153386 Bruins’ Karson Kuhlman will open as second-line right wing 1153416 Rough night on the pre-season front for Edmonton Oilers 1153387 Cooper Zech hoping to measure up with Bruins 1153417 Russian forward comes to Edmonton Oilers in quest for 1153388 Bruins get on the board in preseason, beat Flyers NHL contract 1153389 Clean slate for Charlie Coyle’s first full season with Bruins 1153418 Anton Burdasov gets on ice with Connor McDavid 1153390 hoping he's "part of next wave of players" to 1153419 Dreadful showing means several Oilers players are on the get deals with Brandon Carlo, Charlie McAvoy taken ca chopping block with cuts looming 1153391 Highlights from the Bruins' 3-1 win over the Flyers in 1153420 How quickly must the Oilers’ top AHL prospects claim NHL preseason jobs before they become suspect? 1153392 Jaroslav Halak makes amazing save in Bruins' preseason 1153421 McDavid and more: Five thoughts through the first week of game vs. Flyers Oilers camp 1153393 Bruce Cassidy's message to Jakub Zboril, Zach 1153422 Why Kailer Yamamoto’s delayed training camp may Senyshyn: 'It's time to separate yourself' benefit his Oilers career 1153394 Torey Krug awaits the call that could change his life 1153395 Home sweet … hotel? In Bruins camp, room service is life for bubble players 1153423 How a well-worked prank (and some workouts) helped Panthers quickly bond with new additions 1153396 With Brandon Montour sidelined, pressure increases on Sabres' defensive depth 1153424 Kings’ deal with Ben Hutton was prompted by injuries to 1153397 How Brandon Montour’s hand injury could affect the their defensemen Sabres’ defensive pairings 1153425 VGK 3, LAK 2 (OT): BOX SCORES; MCLELLAN, LIZOTTE, EYSSIMONT QUOTES Flames 1153426 LIVE BLOG: LOS ANGELES VS VEGAS 1153398 Ryan Lomberg hoping to muscle into Flames' forward mix 1153427 HUTTON’S ACCLIMATION BEGINS; POSITIVE 1153399 Austin Czarnik determined to emerge as every-nighter for EVALUATIONS OF YOUNG PLAYERS Flames 1153428 LINE RUSHES VS VEGAS; KOVALCHUK BACK ON SKATES SOON; GAME ON NHL NETWORK 1153400 Civian: Not to be dramatic after two preseason games, but it’s gotta be season 1153429 The true reveal: Photo day, when the helmets come off, is not taken lightly by Wild players Chicago Blackhawks 1153430 Sophomore slump? No worries there, says Wild winger 1153401 Adam Boqvist, 19, appears to be ready for the Blackhawks Jordan Greenway — but he might spend the season in the AHL 1153402 Hawks coach Jeremy Colliton hopes David Kampf can grow offensively on line with Brandon Saad, Dominik 1153431 In the Habs' Room: Nick Suzuki's strong play being Kubalik noticed 1153403 'He obviously has a lot of skill': Adam Boqvist off to 1153432 Canadiens' Artturi Lehkonen stands out during shootout impressive start in Blackhawks training camp win over Panthers 1153433 Stu Cowan: Drive to improve remains strong for Canadiens' Shea Weber 1153404 Valeri Nichushkin looks to rejuvenate his NHL career with 1153434 Canadiens Game Day: Habs fans gotta love Brendan Avalanche Gallagher 1153405 Mikko Rantanen, Avalanche “not close” in contract 1153435 How comfort is allowing Nick Suzuki to put his greatest negotiations, agent says assets to use 1153406 Colorado Avalanche tops ESPN’s future power rankings 1153436 Bubble Report: Nick Suzuki makes a serious push for a 1153407 Calle Rosen’s push for a job on Colorado’s defense has roster spot begun 1153437 Why a Julius Honka trade could make a lot of sense for the Canadiens 1153438 Examining whether it makes sense to ease Carey Price’s 1153408 Blue Jackets' rookie goalies get first NHL arena workload experience 1153409 Michael Arace | NHL keeps labor peace; fans finally win out 1153410 Blue Jackets prospect Liam Foudy injured, will miss 4-6 weeks Nashville Predators 1153439 PK Subban left impression on Rem Pitlick, who's trying to 1153471 Penguins defeat Blue Jackets in preseason home opener make impression on Predators 1153472 Alex Galchenyuk is finding a fit with Evgeni Malkin and the 1153440 Is playing Kyle Turris on the wing a good or bad idea for Penguins the Predators? 1153473 Penguins promotional schedule includes Mike Lange bobblehead night New Jersey Devils 1153474 Justin Schultz may get elevated role on Penguins’ power 1153441 Devils’ John Hynes gives blunt assessment of training play camp so far: ‘Some guys are getting outplayed’ 1153475 Five observations after Nathan Legare, new-look second 1153442 Devils name Jake Reynolds new team president | What it line lead Penguins past Columbus means 1153476 Sidney Crosby leads all NHL players in eBay merchandise 1153443 How Devils’ Cory Schneider explained miscommunication sales with Ty Smith | 4 takeaways from win over Rangers 1153477 Think this summer was wild for the Penguins? Wait until 1153444 How Devils reacted to Mikhail Maltsev’s highlight-reel next year in win over Rangers 1153445 NJ Devils name Jake Reynolds team president 1153446 NJ Devils John Hynes sends message to training camp: 1153478 Projecting Sharks’ 23-man roster: Who’s trending, and Step it up who’s fading 1153479 San Jose Sharks fans: Smoking Pig, Opa! and Sushi Confidential join SAP Center food lineup 1153447 Belmont Park to host full fall meet on site amid preparation 1153480 Sharks' Erik Karlsson ranked No. 24 player in league by for Islanders' arena construction NHL Network 1153448 Isles trim training camp roster to 52 1153481 Mic'd-up Joe Thornton's youthful energy on display at Sharks practice 1153482 Sharks' roster hopefuls still 'auditioning' as regular season 1153449 Rangers’ competition ‘is real’ in preseason nears 1153450 New York Rangers: Takeaways and analysis after one 1153483 Sharks expecting Timo Meier to take step forward in wake week of training camp of departures 1153451 NY Rangers training camp battle: Tony DeAngelo holdout creates opening on right defense St Louis Blues 1153452 on board with Rangers' plan to play him 1153484 Sundqvist misses Blues practice with upper-body injury less this season 1153485 Another first for Binnington in Blues' 3-2 loss at Washington NHL 1153486 Multiple surgeries later, Vince Dunn's face is fine. Blues 1153453 Forging their own path: Bolstered local junior hockey say his game is getting there, too. teams expect NHL’s arrival to make them even stronger 1153487 Blues notebook: 'Note suffers tough-luck exhibition loss 1153488 Media Views: Blues, reigning NHL champs, won't be on Ottawa Senators NBC this season 1153454 Warrenspiece: Defence never rests; Matthews-Ceci watch; and Sabourin's push 1153455 Chabot signing generates positive vibes in Senators 1153489 Could Jimmy Huntington be the next undrafted free agent dressing room standout for the Lightning? 1153456 All the hard work pays off for Thomas Chabot and the 1153490 Jon Cooper: Lightning have more openings than ever Senators before 1153457 Thomas Chabot signing creates new hope for Ottawa 1153491 Lightning shut out for second time of the preseason Senators fans 1153492 Lightning prospects Cal and Nolan Foote share NHL 1153458 Ottawa Senators sign Thomas Chabot to eight-year, experience $64-million deal 1153493 Lightning make first round of cuts 1153459 Signing Thomas Chabot should forge the credibility gap 1153494 Free agent signings highlight Lightning lineup for between Senators and fans Wednesday 1153460 Thomas Chabot’s eight-year extension shows faith in Senators’ plans to rebuild 1153461 LeBrun: Why it’s a good time to be shopping for a D-man 1153495 Maple Leafs sign draft pick Nicholas Robertson to entry- and why Thomas Chabot extension will be a steal for Se level contract 1153496 Potential Leafs captain Auston Matthews gets comfy in the good old cocky game 1153462 Morgan Frost gives strong showing, but Flyers lose to 1153497 Leafs sign prospect Nick Robertson to entry-level contract Bruins 3-1 and stay winless in preseason 1153498 Ceci, Rielly know that talking a good game should lead to 1153463 Flyers up-tempo style suits Couturier just fine chemistry on Leafs blue line 1153464 Alain Vigneault asked for something and has yet to get it 1153499 Nic Petan may never get a better shot to prove he belongs in Flyers preseason in the NHL — and with the Leafs 1153465 Thursday night's Flyers game was a little gritty ... no wait, it HAD a little Gritty 1153466 Prospects get their shot, competition still up for grabs, 1153516 Canucks shake pre-season rust, then easily dust off Oiler more from Flyers' preseason loss to Bruins wannabes 6-1 1153467 Flyers vs. Bruins preseason: Live stream, storylines, game 1153517 Horvat leads Canucks past Oilers 6-1 in pre-season tilt time and more 1153518 Canucks preseason: Sven Baertschi’s ‘audition,’ Bo 1153468 Matt Niskanen: Claude Giroux 'holds his own, for sure,' in Horvat dominates and the King of Bros. trash-talking 1153469 No longer watching James van Riemsdyk, Flyers prospect Morgan Frost gets eye-opening audition 1153470 Eight observations from Philadelphia Flyers training camp 1153500 Golden Knights rally to beat Kings in OT on goal by Marchessault 1153501 Golden Knights to host alien contest at practice 1153502 Patrick Brown could provide much-needed depth for Golden Knights 1153503 GAME DAY: Golden Knights look for third straight preseason win 1153504 Capitals make their first round of training camp cuts 1153505 McMichael, Protas turn in strong showings before Capitals trim camp roster 1153506 Projecting the Caps’ opening night roster after first round of cuts 1153507 Capitals roster cuts: Draft picks Connor McMichael, Aliaksei Protas headline initial round 1153508 2019-20 NHL Season Preview: Washington Capitals Websites 1153519 The Athletic / How do line changes happen? And why do they sometimes go wrong? 1153520 The Athletic / Ranking NHL teams by their 23 and under core, 2019-20 edition 1153521 The Athletic / 2019-20 draft prep: The Athletic’s NHL beat writers give their sleepers, bouncebacks, rookie st 1153522 .ca / 31 Thoughts: Byfuglien decision will have major ripple effect 1153523 Sportsnet.ca / How 7 Canadiens prospects have fared after one week of training camp 1153524 Sportsnet.ca / J.T. Miller embracing journey west, potential of up-and-coming Canucks 1153525 Sportsnet.ca / Burdasov must show Oilers he wants to be NHL player, not just make NHL money 1153526 Sportsnet.ca / Pre-season or not, Oilers' success hinges on improving kill 1153527 Sportsnet.ca / Thomas Chabot signing a massive show of faith to fans by Senators 1153528 Sportsnet.ca / Brian McGrattan gets new dance partner on Battle of the Blades 1153529 Sportsnet.ca / Cap Comparables: Chabot's new deal shows brighter days ahead for Senators 1153530 TSN.CA / Five Takeaways: Canucks vs Oilers 1153531 TSN.CA / Senators finally back up their words with action - and money 1153532 TSN.CA / Ottawa Senators sign D Thomas Chabot to eight-year extension 1153533 TSN.CA / Dream Gap Tour aims to pave way for sustainable women’s hockey league 1153534 TSN.CA / One potential RFAs solution? Move up deadline 1153535 YAHOO SPORTS / NHL ref calls penalty on Tampa Bay in preseason game without Tampa Bay 1153536 YAHOO SPORTS / Eugene Melnyk went to court to get his private plane back Winnipeg Jets 1153509 McKenzie easing back into hockey 1153510 Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers hopes studying his own game pays off 1153511 Laine apologizes to Little for how comments to Finnish media were interpreted 1153512 You think Jets are high drama? Maurice says try Toronto 1153513 Jets' Laine says sorry 1153514 LeBrun: Why it’s a good time to be shopping for a D-man and why Thomas Chabot extension will be a steal for Se 1153515 As Dustin Byfuglien contemplates future, supportive Jets carry on in earnest SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1153381 Anaheim Ducks Orange County Register: LOADED: 09.20.2019

Dallas Eakins says Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf is on board with new plan

By ELLIOTT TEAFORD | PUBLISHED: September 19, 2019 at 3:46 pm | UPDATED: September 19, 2019 at 3:47 PM

IRVINE — Dallas Eakins has plenty of items on his to-do list before he steps behind the bench for the Ducks’ season-opening game Oct. 3 against the Arizona Coyotes at Honda Center. Getting captain Ryan Getzlaf to buy into his plan for the Ducks’ renovation effort isn’t one of them, though.

For starters, the Ducks’ new coach doesn’t like the term “buy in.” For another thing, he doesn’t believe he has to “sell” anyone on anything, no matter if he’s a battle-tested veteran like the 34-year-old Getzlaf or an apple-cheeked youngster like defenseman , 22.

“You hear ‘buy in’ all the time,” Eakins said the other day. “I’m more like, ‘Hey, let’s infect people with what we’re trying to do here.’ When we sat down and I explained who I was and what I think a team looks like and feels like around here, I already knew he was in on it. …

“I really dislike that word ‘sell.’ We’re just trying to create an environment where whatever this culture is going to be, it’s theirs (the players). The thing I learned very quickly there’s no question who the captain is here with Ryan.”

Getzlaf is entering his 15th season with the Ducks and his 10th as their captain.

MONEY MATTERS

As of Thursday, the Ducks were roughly $8.5 million under the NHL’s $81.5-million salary cap, according to figures compiled by the website capfriendly.com. The Ducks’ payroll is likely to be altered by the addition or subtraction of several players from their minor league roster by opening night.

But the bottom line is general manager Bob Murray has plenty of spending money should he choose to use it on a signing or a trade, particularly if he wishes to bolster the roster by adding a right handed- shooting defenseman before the season begins.

Plus, the Ducks will receive further salary-cap relief when they shift center Ryan Kesler (hip surgery) and right wing Patrick Eaves (illness) to long-term injured reserve. Kesler’s $6.875 million salary for 2019-20 and Eaves’ $3.15 million will come off the books for as long as they’re sidelined.

Murray said last week Kesler moved his family back to Michigan after undergoing hip resurfacing surgery and was doing well. Murray also said Eaves, 35, had decided to retire after playing only nine games with the Ducks the past two seasons.

DEAL OR NO DEAL?

Is the Ducks’ deal for Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Justin Faulk dead or alive? Apparently, it depends upon which national hockey reporter’s website you read Thursday. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman indicated it wasn’t completely dead, but The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported it was.

Friedman spoke to agent Brian Bartlett who said Faulk “has not demanded a trade and does not want to be traded. He’s like any other player in the league right now, focusing on his team. Ninety-nine percent of the time these things don’t get out in the public. Unfortunately, this one did.”

Asked specifically about a potential deal with the Ducks, Bartlett said “you never know what can happen.” Faulk must waive his no-trade clause for the Ducks to acquire him. It’s believed the Ducks offered Faulk an extension of a little less than $7 million per season to sweeten the deal.

LeBrun reported the Ducks-Hurricanes deal had fallen through and that Murray had also inquired about Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, but that the asking price was too high. It was reported that the Ducks would have been willing to deal right wing Ondrej Kase for Faulk. 1153382 Arizona Coyotes different way. There's a different guy to lean on for different situations on and off the ice. I'd like to be one of those guys who takes the next step with a leadership role and can be there for the younger guys."

Could Vinnie Hinostroza be next up for a long-term contract with Arizona Hinostroza said he had some discussions with his agent this summer Coyotes? about a new contract and expressed his desire to remain with the Coyotes.

Richard Morin, Arizona Republic Published 7:00 a.m. MT Sept. 19, 2019 "This is where I want to be for a long time," Hinostroza said. "I see a great future for this team, and especially with these younger guys who are signing here for a long time. From my side, all I can say is I want to be here for a long time. I want to be a guy who is looked upon for a long Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz, Jakob Chychrun, time as someone who helped this team get a Stanley Cup." Christian Dvorak and Lawson Crouse. These are the core players for the Coyotes' future, as evidenced by their respective contract extensions It will interesting to see just where Hinostroza fits in with newcomers Phil over the last year-plus. Kessel and Carl Soderberg bolstering the club's forward depth. But it's a safe bet than Hinostroza, who scored in the Coyotes' preseason opener Ekman-Larsson, Keller, Schmaltz, Chychrun and Dvorak will be here on Sunday, will be seeing all forms of action. through at least 2025. They have Crouse through 2022. Antti Raanta, Conor Garland and Niklas Hjalmarsson signed extensions through 2021. "Obviously I want to play in every situation," Hinostroza said. "I always want to be on the ice. I want to score goals, I want to defend and I want John Chayka, the Coyotes' president of hockey operations and general to block shots. I really want to be on the power play this year and the manager, has been extraordinarily proactive in signing players he penalty kill, too. believes are the core pieces of the club's long-term future. "I've been watching a lot of clips this summer and I feel like I can help out As a result, Chayka has left very few pending free agents on the table. in all situations. I just hope I get the opportunity." One of the select few is forward Vinnie Hinostroza, who could become a restricted free agent (RFA) after this season. Arizona Republic LOADED: 09.20.2019 What are the chances that Hinostroza, acquired in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks last offseason, has a place in the Coyotes' long- term plans?

"I think, first and foremost, Vinnie is a guy you want on your team," Chayka said of Hinostroza, who is currently day-to-day with an upper- body injury. "He's skilled, he's competitive, he's a good person with some leadership attributes. We've had discussions and will continue to have discussions, but there's no rush.

"We're still trying to see the best fit for everyone involved, but we'll continue to have discussions with his representatives because we'd like to have him around long-term and we think he'd feel the same."

In his third full NHL season, Hinostroza set career-highs in goals (16) and points (39) in his first season with the Coyotes in 2018-19 while almost doubling his total time on ice from the season prior.

He mostly played on the Coyotes' third line with Brad Richardson and Michael Grabner, but was also forced into limited center duty when injuries ravaged the lineup.

Hinostroza also saw time on both the power play and penalty kill, displaying an ability to play competently in all phases of the game. However, as a 25-year-old, Hinostroza is a notch older than most of the Coyotes' young core, but still younger than the club's veterans.

In other words, he's one of very few "tweeners" on the roster.

Arizona has an interesting mix of young and old forwards.

Veterans over 30:

Phil Kessel

Michael Grabner

Carl Soderberg

Brad Richardson

Forwards under 24:

Clayton Keller

Nick Schmaltz

Conor Garland

Lawson Crouse

Christian Dvorak

Christian Fischer

— CapFriendly Depth Charts (@CF_DepthCharts) July 2, 2019

"It's super special here," Hinostroza said of Arizona. "You look at our (defense) and we've got guys to look up to. Each of our forwards play a 1153383 Arizona Coyotes defensemen in the NHL when he was asked who the toughest players are to go against (warning: explicit language).

“I hate playing against that guy,” Zucker said. “He’s so skilled. He’s got ‘Just really, really good’: Coyotes’ Nik Hjalmarsson was born to play an unbelievable stick all the time. He’s always right in your face. And he’s defense such a good shut-down guy. And nobody ever notices him because he’s not on the stat sheet as much.”

BY MATT LAYMAN | SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 AT 6:03 AM UPDATED: Head coach Rick Tocchet said there’s more offense in Hjalmarsson’s SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 AT 9:42 AM game that they feel could be found with better offensive talent around him, “But let’s face it,” Tocchet said. “He’s a defender. He’s a great PK guy. He’s a proud guy and he hates getting scored against. I love those type of guys.” GLENDALE, Ariz. — Understandably, nothing gets fans on their feet in a hockey arena like a highlight reel goal or a diving save by the goalie. But LOW-MAINTENANCE what’s to be said about those whose contributions are more subtle? Tocchet and Goligoski each complimented the way Hjalmarsson carries Arizona Coyotes defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson might be the team’s himself off the ice. best case study for that. He played 82 games in 2018-19, joining Clayton Keller as the only two Coyotes to do that last season. He also scored “He’s a low-maintenance guy. I don’t have to worry about him,” Tocchet zero goals, the only player in the NHL last year to play every game and said. “If we’re doing a drill and we ask [for] a structure on the ice, he does not score a goal. But don’t mistake what he can bring to the ice: it. So that’s why he’s got the A on his chest.”

“He’s as good as I’ve seen or played with as far as anticipating where Goligoski said Hjalmarsson’s voice carries weight in the dressing room, pucks are going to go and getting his stick or skates or body on pucks,” and Hjalmarsson can be a good example for all players — not just those Coyotes defenseman Alex Goligoski said. “Just ask our forwards in here who are young. Tocchet said Hjalmarsson already made a good first that go against him in practice every day. He’s just really, really good impression on newcoming winger Phil Kessel. defensively.” “Phil Kessel just came in and after two weeks, he really goes, ‘I like this Hjalmarsson is entering his third season with the Coyotes after spending Hjalmarsson. What a leader this guy is,'” Tocchet said. “So that’s the kind 10 years with the Chicago Blackhawks and winning three Stanley Cups of impact that he has on players.” along the way. His first year in Arizona didn’t go the way he hoped as he Some of that can probably be attributed to the fact that he’s entering his missed time with injury and played only 48 games. 13th season in the NHL. He hopes he and the team can build off of what Last year, he was a contributor all season. went right last year. In the meantime, whether Hjalmarsson is under the radar or not, his teammates at least know his importance to the Coyotes. “I felt like I had a little bit of a bounce-back year,” Hjalmarsson said. “I felt I had a tough first year here with a lot of injuries. And I felt when I played, “I mean for me, he’s probably one of the easiest guys I’ve ever played I wasn’t really like the way that I was playing in a lot of games. with,” Goligoski said. “Just a real steady player. So good defensively. Just a guy any team would always want on their team. So I don’t have “Maybe it took me some time to get comfortable to a new city and a new enough good things to say about him.” organization, too, a new system, and everything. And [I] felt last year, I was much more happy with the way I played and the way the whole team Arizona Sports LOADED: 09.20.2019 played.”

‘BORN AS A DEFENSEMAN’

Hjalmarsson ranked second in the NHL last year in blocked shots with 187, behind New Jersey’s Andy Greene. Of those, 50 were on the penalty kill — the third-highest total in the league behind Greene and Ian Cole.

He also had the eighth-most defensive zone starts in the NHL last year.

As Goligoski said, Hjalmarsson’s work with his stick in the defensive zone is a big part of what separates him from other players. He credited playing with the Swedish national team as a teenager and later playing for Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville as reasons why he developed those abilities.

“[Entering the NHL] I quickly figured out that the defensive part of my game is way more stronger than my offensive game, so I really started to work heavily on that and [Quenneville] has always been pressing having an active and good stick,” Hjalmarsson said. “And I felt like when we were playing there in Chicago, I think our whole team, especially the D men, it was tough to pass pucks through us. We were close on the opponents and things like that.

“[It’s] something that I’m trying to remind me of before every single game to stay really consistent on that, and just try to be good in that part of the game, because that’s where I earn my money. I should be one of the best, and I want to be one of the best in that part of the game.”

Maybe part of his proficiency at the defensive position comes from having always been a defender first.

“I remember I tried to play forward a couple times, I ended up right in front of the goalie anyways,” he said. “So I think it’s just a natural thing. In every single sport I’ve played, you know, floor ball, soccer, I’ve always been as close as I can to my goalie … I guess I was born as a defenseman.”

Last summer, Minnesota Wild forward Jason Zucker said on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast that Hjalmarsson is one of the most underrated 1153384 Arizona Coyotes career, and he coached that unit as an assistant coach with the Nashville Predators from 2013-17.

“The key for me is just five guys working in unison, thinking alike Neutral Zone: Phil Kessel and the power play a major focus in training and having more movement within the unit,” Housley said. “It’s all about camp moving parts and trying to be unpredictable. Those are some of the things that we’re going to try to introduce.”

By Craig Morgan Sep 18, 2019 Injuries played a role, and so did a lack of elite offensive players, but movement was often a missing ingredient for the Coyotes last season.

“We’d get stuck and then we liked to stay in our spots,” Tocchet said. When Rick Tocchet took over as the Coyotes coach in 2017, he put the “When we do that, we get stagnant.” power play on the training camp backburner. Tocchet wanted to familiarize himself with his players first, and he had a wealth of 5-on-5 One hour into Wednesday’s practice, the Coyotes split up into first- and systems and concepts to install. second-unit power-play and penalty-killing units. The second unit was hard to gauge with Vinnie Hinostroza out with an upper-body injury that Those are no longer concerns. Most of the personnel carried over from has him listed as day to day, but the first unit offered some glimpses of last season so familiarity has bred opportunity. On Wednesday, the the coaching staff’s plan. Coyotes worked on the power play for the second time this week and “we’re going to have to practice it a lot in the next couple weeks,” Phil Kessel was stationed on the half wall on his off-wing as expected. Tocchet said. Nick Schmaltz was on the other side of the ice on his off-wing and Oliver Ekman-Larsson was up top in what has become a familiar 1-3-1 The Coyotes’ power play was ineffective last season, finishing 26th in the formation that Adam Oates made famous in Washington; one that using NHL at 16.9 percent while failing to capitalize on the NHL’s fifth most triangles of players to attack the defense. power-play opportunities (258). The lack of power-play production is a familiar problem for this franchise. The Coyotes have finished among the Clayton Keller was the so-called bumper in the slot with Derek Stepan NHL’s top-10 power-play units just three times in their 23-season Valley down low. tenure, and only once has the unit achieved a 20-percent success rate. It would not be surprising to see the Coyotes use four forwards and one Oddly enough, that came in the 56-point, 2014-15 season; the worst in defenseman on the power play, although Jakob Chychrun could play a Coyotes franchise history. role at some point because of his shot. According to data from Tyler Power outage Dellow, a former writer for The Athletic and now the New Jersey Devils vice president of analytics, 75 percent of the league used four-forward, Year, Percentage, Rank one-defenseman power-play units last season, up from 55 percent in 2016-17. 2018-19: 16.3% 26th Tocchet is thrilled to have Schmaltz healthy. In the 17 games Schmaltz 2017-18: 16.9% 26th played last season, the power play clicked at a 20-percent efficiency rate, 2016-17: 16.2% 26th but the biggest addition is clearly Kessel. Kessel finished fifth in the NHL in power-play points last season (36), first the season before at 42, and 2015-16: 17.7% 20th fifth in 2016-17 at 30.

2014-15: 20.0% 7th “You add Phil and he has been a perennial power-play guy so that changes everything,” Housley said. “No. 1, he’s going to create a lot of 2013-14: 19.9% 4th attention so there’s going to be other players that are going to be open so 2012-13: 14.8% 25th what they do with that space is going to be important because obviously Phil, if you give him time and a couple steps to get a good look, he’s 2011-12: 13.5% 29th going to find the net. We’re going to try to work on some things and try to take advantage of when guys are being overaggressive. That’s going to 2010-11: 15.9% 23rd leave some ice open for other players and that’s going to be a big focus.” 2009-10: 14.6% 28th Tocchet would not commit to this unit as his No. 1 unit just yet, but it is 2008-09: 14.5% 28th clear he wants all five of these players to “get their time.” If the mix doesn’t work, there are some other options including Hinostroza and Carl 2007-08: 18.6% 11th Söderberg, but the unit has been aided this week by the return of Ekman- 2006-07: 16.5% 22nd Larsson to full practice participation. The captain was limited the first few days after an offseason procedure related to his knee injury last season. 2005-06: 17.7% 19th “When Oliver was out there with Phil, I saw some things that I really 2004-05: No season, lockout liked,” Tocchet said. “We’re going to experiment with a few things here and there but we’re not really worried about it. We think we have the 2003-04: 14.2% 26th players now so we just have to make sure that we develop that killer 2002-03: 14.3% 22nd instinct — we lacked that last season — and we’ve got to get a couple guys going here. I think Schmaltzy could be a really good power-play guy 2001-02: 15.6% 14th but he hasn’t played in nine months. We’ve got to give them a lot of reps.” 2000-01: 16.6% 14th Rookie tournament 1999-2000: 11.9% 27th The Athletic’s Lisa Dillman reported last week that the Rookie Faceoff 1998-99: 12.0% 26th tournament would shift to Arizona next season and the Coyotes 1997-98: 14.8% 14th confirmed that this week. It doesn’t come as a surprise, however. This was always the plan. 1996-97: 18.1% 4th “We were part of the initial group when we put the tournament together “The games are so tight now,” Tocchet said. “I know we say this all the and the concept was to rotate it around so that all of the fan bases and time, but special teams can be the difference between winning or losing a markets had a chance to host,” Coyotes president of hockey operations game. Our penalty kill was excellent but we have to get more from our John Chayka said. “(Ducks GM) Bob Murray and (San Jose Sharks GM) power play.” Doug Wilson have done this for a long time and they felt it was the right thing to do and really pushed for it. That was part of the reason Tocchet wanted to hire assistant coach Phil Housley. Housley was an effective power-play quarterback in his playing “I think it’s good for every market, especially ours. I think it’s awesome for fans of our team, but also fans of the sport to be able to see best-on-best prospects. We have been a part of a few of them now and it’s elite Mission. All three players played for the famed Chicago Mission as hockey. Guys are playing to earn contracts with teams so there’s a lot of teenagers. Dvorak was Schmaltz’s left wing with the Mission. energy.” Barrett Hayton and camp standout Jan Jenik were the other forwards. The event debuted in 2018 at City National Arena, the Vegas Golden Kyle Capobianco joined Ekman-Larsson, Alex Goligoski, Jason Demers, Knights’ practice facility, before shifting to Anaheim this season. It Jakob Chychrun, Jordan Oesterle and Ilya Lyubushkin on defense while features six teams: the Golden Knights, Ducks, Sharks, Coyotes, Los Antti Raanta, Darcy Kuemper and Adin Hill were the goalies. Angeles Kings and Colorado Avalanche. This season’s event was held at Great Park Ice in Irvine, Calif. Per Ducks media relations, the Ducks- Loose pucks Kings game was a standing-room-only sellout of 2,500-plus, while Defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson missed Wednesday’s practice with an Anaheim’s other two games drew 2,105 (on a Sunday) and 1,295 (on a undisclosed illness. Tuesday), respectively. Hinostroza’s upper-body injury is not thought to be serious. Gila River Arena isn’t the ideal facility for this event, but without a suitable practice arena, the Coyotes will run the games back to back in The Coyotes returned defenseman Kevin Bahl to the Ottawa 67’s of the September 2020. That’s OK with some scouts, including Canadiens on Wednesday, reducing the training camp scout and former Coyotes goalie and coach, Sean Burke. roster to 52 players.

“When you have multiple rinks, they stagger some of the games so you The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 always feel like you are missing something and you’re running from one rink to the other,” Burke said. “I like this setup. I’ll get to watch all the games.”

Labor peace … for now

The NHL Players’ Association sent a sigh of relief throughout the hockey world when it released a statement Monday confirming that it would not walk away from the current collective bargaining agreement before its expiration.

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The NHLPA announced today that the Executive Board has declined to reopen the CBA with the NHL following the 2019-20 season. The current CBA remains in effect through the 2021-22 season. The NHLPA advised the League of its decision earlier today.

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“There really isn’t a whole lot to say outside of our statement,” Coyotes player rep Derek Stepan said. “Both sides worked hard to get a deal. At the end of the day, there wasn’t anything there that we felt was going to tip the scale in any direction so we’re going to continue to play this out. Obviously, we want to continue to negotiate. That’s the main goal and I think both sides are eager to do that. There was good dialogue.

“There are definitely things the players would still like to work on and get a deal that both sides think is fair, but in a sign of good faith, we’ll keep chatting. Nobody wants a work stoppage. It’s not good for the game. The goal is to work through this and continue to negotiate.”

Stepan said he expects more meetings, but he isn’t sure when those will take place.

“To be completely honest,” he said, grinning, “I’ve got another thing coming around the corner that I’m more focused on. The season gets going here soon so we’ll let (NHLPA executive director) Don (Fehr) and (NHL commissioner) Gary (Bettman) continue to work on it.”

Forward line intrigue

Everything that happens in training camp and the preseason should be taken with a heaping tablespoon of salt, but the Coyotes rolled out some interesting forward lines at Wednesday’s practice. Stepan was centering Keller and Kessel while Söderberg was centering Lawson Crouse and Christian Fischer on a line of three players who all measure at least 6 feet 2 and 210 pounds.

Schmaltz was centering Christian Dvorak and Conor Garland, while Brad Richardson and Michael Grabner were also playing together. With Hinostroza out, it was unclear whether he would replace Garland in the top six alongside Schmaltz, or remain with Richardson, with whom he developed great chemistry last season. If Schmaltz, Dvorak and Hinostroza play together, we’re calling dibs on the line’s name: The 1153385 Boston Bruins

Bruins top Flyers ‘A’ squad for first preseason win

By Matt Porter Globe Staff,September 19, 2019, 9:56 p.m.

PHILADELPHIA — The Bruins defeated an “A” squad of Flyers, 3-1, Thursday night to bring their preseason record to 1-0-1.

Peter Cehlarik scored the go-ahead goal from Brendan Gaunce at 4:16 of the second. It’s varsity or bust for Cehlarik, who has 10 points in 37 games since debuting with Boston in 2016. Because of NHL rules, the 24-year-old would have to clear waivers if shipped to Providence.

It was a busy night for Connor Clifton, who took two penalties and scored the 3-1 goal on a breakaway out of the penalty box.

“I knew I was going backhand,” Clifton said. “I don’t know what to do on breakaways.”

In his first preseason start, Jaroslav Halak (16 saves) made the save of the game. On a first-period power-play, a shot clanked off the right post and across the crease to Philadelphia prospect Morgan Frost, who would have had a left-side tap-in if not for Halak’s spinning backhand stab. Frost skated away in disbelief.

Halak’s only goal allowed came from defenseman Matt Niskanen, who tied the game at 1 midway through the first with a far-side bullet through traffic. Maxime Lagace relieved Halak to begin the third and stopped all 10 shots he faced.

Boston Globe LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153386 Boston Bruins The ax swings again after Wednesday’s tilt with the Devils . . . Former Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli, who recently signed on as a consultant with the St. Louis Blues, chatted amicably with the Bruins Bruins’ Karson Kuhlman will open season as second-line right wing brass in the Wells Fargo Center cafeteria before the game. Chiarelli, a Harvard graduate, still lives in the Boston area.

Boston Globe LOADED: 09.20.2019 By Matt Porter Globe Staff,September 19, 2019, 8:44 p.m.

PHILADELPHIA — As he hones his lineup options in advance of the Oct. 3 opener in Dallas, Bruce Cassidy professed his reassurance with Karson Kuhlman as a second-line right wing — at least to start.

“I don’t think he’s going to drop off. He may [plateau], we don’t know, but I don’t think he’s going to get worse,” Cassidy said of the 23-year-old rookie, who settled in during his 19-game run last spring with left wing Jake DeBrusk and center David Krejci.

“To me, he’s too good a person — his short career dictates, from college to Providence to here, he’ll keep working on his craft, get more comfortable.”

David Backes, who on Thursday rode with center Sean Kuraly and roster hopeful Anton Blidh, is not a full-time solution. Offseason acquisition will get a shot there at some point.

Cassidy also said Danton Heinen and Anders Bjork, the wings for center Charlie Coyle in Thursday’s game, could be backup options. Cassidy does not sound eager to use them.

Not only are both left shots and would be playing their off wing, Cassidy wants to see what Bjork can bring on his natural spot after consecutive left shoulder surgeries. With Brad Marchand and DeBrusk claiming the top two jobs, No. 3 LW is a safe break-in spot.

“I’d never seen him play live,” Coyle said of Bjork, the speedy Notre Dame product who has played in 50 games the last two years. “Just social media stuff and video. He’s really smooth . . . I think we could do pretty well as we get to know each other off the ice.”

The line was strong Thursday. Coyle’s puck protection and spinning shot off the pads of Philadelphia goalie Brian Elliott gave Heinen an easy rebound goal in the first period. Bjork was attracting attention out front.

“I think it’s crazy how he’s come back from that and handle it the way he has,” Heinen said of Bjork. “He looks like he’s right where he was when he left off. He knows he can play at this level. It’s a matter of staying healthy and showing it.”

At some point in the season, Cassidy said he would try Coyle, whose size (6 feet 3 inches, 220 pounds) and skating is similar to the wingers Krejci has had in the past. But that’s “more for down the road, playoff hockey,” in Cassidy’s words.

“I think we know we can start on opening night and Kuhly would be there and we’d be fine,” he said. “We’ll look to see if there’s a better fit.”

First victory

The Bruins topped an “A” squad of Flyers, 3-1, to bring their preseason record to 1-0-1. Peter Cehlarik scored the go-ahead goal from Brendan Gaunce at 4:16 of the second. It’s varsity or bust for Cehlarik, who has 10 points in 37 games since debuting with Boston in 2016. Because of NHL rules, the 24-year-old would have to clear waivers if shipped to Providence . . . It was a busy night for Connor Clifton, who took two penalties and scored the 3-1 goal on a breakaway out of the penalty box. “I knew I was going backhand,” Clifton said. “I don’t know what to do on breakaways.” . . . In his first preseason start, Jaroslav Halak (16 saves) made the save of the game. On a first-period power play, a shot clanked off the right post and across the crease to Philadelphia prospect Morgan Frost, who would have had a left-side tap-in if not for Halak’s spinning backhand stab. Frost skated away in disbelief. Halak’s only goal allowed came from defenseman Matt Niskanen, who tied the game at 1 midway through the first with a far-side bullet through traffic. Maxime Lagace relieved him to begin the third and stopped all 10 shots he faced.

Bergeron A-OK

Patrice Bergeron (groin) reported feeling A-OK after his first back-to-back practices. He remains “very confident” he’ll be ready for Oct. 3 opener . . . The Bruins finish their preseason road trip Saturday in Chicago (3 p.m.). They plan to make an initial round of cuts Sunday, with Providence camp opening Monday along with a game against the Flyers at TD Garden. 1153387 Boston Bruins impressed him. “He’s a small guy who competes hard. He’s not afraid to go into traffic, not afraid to get hit.

“For him it’s a matter of, like a lot of young guys, the practice habits. Cooper Zech hoping to measure up with Bruins We’ve got to get him started sooner. And then the strength part . . . Sometimes he’s a bit slow-starting. We went through that with Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, Jake DeBrusk, and a lot of them. I think it’s By Matt Porter Globe Staff,September 19, 2019, 3:37 p.m. perfectly normal.”

Boston Globe LOADED: 09.20.2019 Cooper Zech had eight goals and 20 assists in 36 games as a freshman at Ferris State last season.

GLOBE STAFF Had a 5-foot-9-inch defenseman shown up at a Providence practice a decade ago, he might have had a short stay.

“We probably would have sent him down the road to Brown University or Providence [College],” joked Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy, who was coach of the at the time. “You’re in the wrong building. But that’s the new NHL.”

Though the league is increasingly smaller, lighter, and quicker, defensemen that small remain relatively rare. Of the 326 defensemen who saw NHL action last season, 42 checked in under 6 feet. Six of them were under 5-10. Two of them were in Boston’s top six.

Torey Krug and Matt Grzelcyk, along with Connor Clifton and Steven Kampfer — both listed at 5-11 — gave the Bruins the shortest D corps in the league last year, even with 6-9 Zdeno Chara and 6-5 Brandon Carlo in the mix. They fell one game short of lifting the Stanley Cup.

So here comes Cooper Zech, hoping to one day make the Boston back end — where Chara has roamed the last 14 years — a land of Lilliputians.

After producing eight goals and 20 assists in 36 games as a freshman at Ferris State, leading his team in scoring and finishing 20th in the nation in points per game among defensemen, Zech chose the Bruins last March over several AHL deals. He is likely to start the year in Providence, but if he develops as expected, his size — 5-9, 170 — would be no shortcoming.

“I looked into how Boston plays,” Zech said. “They love their small D-men up here. Puck-moving D. Guys that can make plays. It looked like a perfect fit. I’m hoping the next few years, this is where I can be.”

In Chara’s rookie year, 1997-98, the entire league had 17 defensemen under 6 feet, and none under 5-10. One of the shortest was Don Sweeney, now in his fifth season as Bruins general manager.

Today, those in Zech’s shoes look up to Krug, who could be among the game’s highest-paid defensemen when his current deal ($5.25 million annually) runs out next July 1.

“For sure,” said Zech, who grew up near Ann Arbor with an eye on the former Michigan State captain. “If I’m watching the Bruins, that’s who I’m watching. I hope I can follow in his footsteps.”

Minnesota is the only other team with two 5-9ers on the back end: Jared Spurgeon and Brad Hunt. Spurgeon, listed at 5-9 and just 167, produced a 14-29—43 line in 82 games, logging a team-high 24:08 per game. Last Sunday he signed a seven-year, $53.025 million extension that will pay him $9 million in salary and bonuses in the first two seasons. Shorty got paid.

Maybe that’s the future for Zech, who saw 12 regular-season games (four assists) and four in the playoffs (two goals) after joining Providence. He said it was “a blast” to be a pro, since the books weren’t for him. “When I was done for the day, I could go home and think more [about] hockey,” he said, “and treat my body better than sitting in a chair studying all day.”

He says he added 15 pounds since the spring, though he’s not sure if he’ll wind up as bulky as Krug (186 pounds). He plans to soak up all the knowledge he can from coach Jay Leach and his staff, “knowing I’m going to be here for a while,” he said. “Taking in what the coaches say. I know it’s going to be used for a long time.”

He’s already showing Cassidy his offense, even though defense was first mentioned when Zech’s name came up this week.

“He’s got good hockey instincts. He breaks up plays using his head and his stick, so yeah, in that regard,” Cassidy said, when asked if Zech 1153388 Boston Bruins Boston Herald LOADED: 09.20.2019

Bruins get on the board in preseason, beat Flyers

By MARISA INGEMI | Boston Herald September 19, 2019 at 10:29 PM

PHILADELPHIA — The Bruins showed more jump Thursday night in their second preseason affair, topping the Flyers, 3-1.

The new-look potential third line opened the scoring 7:47 into the contest. Charlie Coyle took the puck to the net and it deflected to Danton Heinen near the right faceoff dot, and he fired it into the empty net for a 1-0 lead.

With just under eight minutes left in the first, the Flyers’ Matt Niskanen ripped a shot past Jaroslav Halak to tie the game at 1-1.

The Bruins took a 2-1 lead when Brendan Gaunce found Peter Cehlarik with an open net at the doorstep with 15:44 left in the second.

Connor Clifton put the Bruins ahead 3-1 with 3:45 left in the third on a breakaway.

Kuraly gets going

Heading into last season, there was some hope Sean Kuraly might seize the Bruins third line role.

They filled that hole with the addition of Coyle in the middle of the season, and Kuraly was left to thrive as a bottom six forward, primarily playing on the fourth line as a winger and when needed, center.

He’s likely the fourth line center this season, unless the Bruins decide to do some real tweaking. Having that role established going in has a bit of comfort for Kuraly, who is looking to build off of how he finished last season.

“I just want to keep playing,” he said. “I just want to keep playing hockey and playing hard and keep a flow. I think the rest kind of takes care of itself. I trust my abilities and skills, just play hard and don’t think about it too much. I don’t like putting too much pressure on myself or thinking a lot, just go out and play hockey.”

With 21 points in 71 games last season, Kuraly’s numbers saw a boost from the 14 in 75 contests the season prior. The Bruins would certainly take more, and the 26-year-old likely hasn’t hit his ceiling yet. But given the way the rest of the roster operates, he found a role last season where they don’t have to worry a ton about his scoring.

He finished the season out with Chris Wagner and Joakim Nordstrom for the most part – until Wagner was injured at the end of the Eastern Conference Finals and Noel Acciari slotted in for good – and likely that’ll be the line again this season to round out the bottom six.

There’s other candidates as well. Par Lindholm and Brett Ritchie were brought in to compete for spots, and there’s still the question of where fits. And while it looks like Karson Kuhlman has the fast track to winning the second line right wing spot, there’s always the chance – more than likely chance – of more line shuffling being done during the season.

There’s plenty of moving pieces, but Kuraly is locked in to be a part of things with what he brings to the table as a productive bottom six forward with speed and defensive prowess.

If anything, last season proved he can adapt to whatever they throw at him.

“I leave that to the coaching staff,” he said. “You just want to give them solid options. Anytime you play with someone new, you try to make it work and just do your best.”

Preseason looks

Several Bruins veterans – or at least, likely roster-bound players – made their preseason debut against the Flyers, including Backes, Heinen, Jake DeBrusk, Kuhlman, Clifton and Halak.

Alex Petrovic, on a professional tryout agreement, was one of the players to participate in both games in New Jersey and Philadelphia, along with prospect Jack Studnicka, free agent signing Gaunce, and roster hopeful Urho Vaakanainen. 1153389 Boston Bruins

Clean slate for Charlie Coyle’s first full season with Bruins

Playoff run is in the books

By MARISA INGEMI PUBLISHED: September 19, 2019 at 6:42 pm | UPDATED: September 19, 2019 at 6:44 PM

PHILADELPHIA — While the Bruins try to turn the page on the way last season ended, Charlie Coyle has as much of a clean slate as anyone.

The Weymouth native joined the Bruins in the middle of their season after being traded from Minnesota for Ryan Donato, and was one of the missing pieces they needed to make a deep run. With 16 playoff points in 24 contests, he was a contributor to getting one game away from winning the Stanley Cup.

When it was time to reset, it was a bit different for Coyle, and not only because he didn’t have far to go to head home for the first time during an offseason. To go from Minnesota to the nonstop nature of the way the Bruins season went, Coyle finally had a chance to take a breather, but also restart with the group he’s spending the season with.

“I was really looking forward to (preseason) because I didn’t get to do it last year,” he said. “You want to go through everything with your teammates. I wasn’t in control of it last year, but this is more ideal so I’m really excited about that.”

He heads into this season with a bit more clarity. More than likely, he centers the third line. On Thursday in Philadelphia, they tried a look with Danton Heinen – a postseason linemate already – and Anders Bjork.

“It’s heading in the right direction,” said Coyle. “They’re pretty smart players. I’ve played with Heinen, I know what he brings, I have a pretty good idea of our tendencies. I’ve never really seen Bjork play live, but I’ve heard about him, and skating and seeing him first hand, he’s really smooth you can tell, with the puck, and he can stop on a dime. He’s very skilled. I think it can be a good combination.”

Thursday night was the first time Coyle and Bjork had played with each other in a game. Who actually ends up on that line is in flux; in the playoffs, Marcus Johansson was the final piece to that puzzle, but he moved on to Buffalo in the offseason.

Brett Ritchie has gotten a look on Coyle’s right, and the Bruins still don’t have a second line right winger established, either. There’s a reality where Coyle ends up there and they bump all the centers.

But, most likely he revises his role from the playoffs, and anchors a part of the lineup that was a question mark before he arrived.

Since he has an entire season ahead now and knows the routine, and instead of being thrust into the middle of a playoff push, Coyle has an even better chance to build upon what he did last season.

“I want to just build my game each (game) and always get better,” said Coyle. “It’s always on your mind. I want to have a good camp, I hope this starts it off. You always want to feel good heading into the season. You don’t want to lack anything, you just want to find your stride and feel good right from the start, not weeks into it.”

Boston Herald LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153390 Boston Bruins One thing is for sure: Krug is going to get paid somewhere. He may take a little less to keep the band together in Boston moving forward, but the seven-year, $53.025 million contract signed by Jared Spurgeon in Torey Krug hoping he's "part of next wave of players" to get deals with Minnesota would seem like fair market value for Krug should he become Brandon Carlo, Charlie McAvoy taken care of a free agent on July 1. That’s obviously a long way from now and Sweeney and Co. will get every opportunity to come up with something fair that could keep Krug in Boston for the long haul.

By Joe Haggerty September 20, 2019 12:44 AM But if Krug does get to free agency, he doesn’t exactly sound worried about that prospect either given the money and potential suitors that

would be there vying for him. BRIGHTON, Mass – Torey Krug long assumed that the reason he hadn’t “It’s a good problem to have, right? That being said my focus is on the talked contract extension this summer with the Bruins was that they were Boston Bruins and the here and now, and hopefully getting some clarity busy working on deals for restricted free agent D-men Charlie McAvoy [on his contract]. I’m well aware that what I do in this league is something and Brandon Carlo. that people want and desire, especially with the way that the game is Now that both McAvoy and Carlo are back in the fold with reasonable moving,” said Krug. “The transition game is so crucial to team success cap numbers for the next few years, Bruins general manager admitted a and the power play helps you win hockey games in the regular season couple of days ago that the team can move on to future forecasts and and in the playoffs. These are things that I do well and I’m sure would be discussions with looming free agents. As of a couple of days later the things that a lot of teams would be happy to have. But I’m just worried Bruins and Krug hadn’t started a dialogue on a contract extension, but about the Bruins here and now.” the productive offensive defenseman is eagerly looking forward to those The Bruins have said all along that they’re well aware of Krug’s discussions as he readies for the final year of a current deal paying him importance to everything that they do on the ice. Now is a golden chance $5.25 million per season. for the B’s to prove it by showing just how much of a priority it is to retain “It’s been no secret that it’s been at the forefront getting those two deals Krug beyond this season while the player is admittedly looking for “some done because [McAvoy and Carlo] are a big part of our team,” said Krug. clarity” on his future in Boston. “At least we have them locked up for the near future. So you just hope Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.20.2019 that you’re part of the next wave of guys that will get dealt with.

“I’ve made no secret that I want to be part of this room, part of this organization and part of this city [beyond this season]. So I’m hoping sooner than later it gets dealt with so I can clear my mind and focus on hockey. But that being said, it’s never a distraction. I’ve done it year after in my career aside from the [current] four-year deal.”

Cassidy's message to Zboril and Senyshyn

Only Brent Burns, Victor Hedman, Erik Karlsson and John Carlson have scored more points than Krug’s 163 points over the last three seasons among NHL defensemen, and three out of those four have won Norris Trophies over that time span. Sure Krug has also been a minus-12 over that span as well, but there’s no denying his offensive prowess when he’s averaged nine goals and 54 points a season while playing top-4 minutes on the back end.

The 28-year-old also finally showed he can stay healthy during the postseason last spring and posted two goals and 18 points in 24 playoff games last spring. If the Bruins had won the Cup then Krug would have been in the middle of the Conn Smythe discussion, but instead his spring performance just added to his current value headed into a contract year.

Given all of the above and the fact the Bruins don’t have anybody – Matt Grzelcyk may never be that guy and McAvoy hasn’t developed to that point as of yet -- ready to replace Krug’s offense, re-signing the 5-foot-8 undrafted D-man should be a priority. Krug had a career-high 30 points on the power play last season as the top unit quarterback and continues to be an aggressive, smart catalyst perfectly cast in Bruce Cassidy’s offense that caters to creativity and hockey intelligence.

Best of all, Krug is willing to take a hometown discount similar to the way Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak all took a little less to remain in Black and Gold.

It's a far cry from the $10 million-plus per season salaries doled out to Auston Matthews, John Tavares and Mitch Marner in Toronto, and Krug has made it clear he’s not looking to get every last nickel on the table when it comes to staying in Boston.

Bruins prefer to leave Coyle at third line center

“Absolutely. I think that’s something each individual player takes into account with the situation that they’re in. The role that they play on each individual team, how good their team is and how good their team will be moving forward. [Those are all] things that I’ve definitely considered. We’ll see what happens,” said Krug. “There’s a fine between protecting yourself and what you bring to the table, and also being happy and living in a place that you love, and your family loves. I have a little girl that I have to think about now. All of these things sound cliché, but they are things you have to take into account and worry about. We’ll see what happens.” 1153391 Boston Bruins

Highlights from the Bruins' 3-1 win over the Flyers in preseason

By NBC Sports Boston Staff September 19, 2019 7:58 PM

FINAL SCORE: Bruins 3, Flyers 1

IN BRIEF: The Bruins grabbed their first win of the preseason in convincing fashion over the Flyers Thursday night. Danton Heinen, Peter Cehlarik and Connor Clifton netted goals for Boston in this one.

BRUINS PRESEASON RECORD: 1-1-0

HIGHLIGHTS:

HEINEN STRIKES FIRST

.@CharlieCoyle_3  @DHeinz43  pic.twitter.com/SjYi3qwnIM

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) September 19, 2019

HALAK WITH A CRAZY SAVE

Jaro with some straight wizardry.#NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/3g1fG1idRC

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) September 19, 2019

FLYERS TIE THE GAME

Nisky business. pic.twitter.com/IkpIpPxjsG

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) September 19, 2019

CEHLARIK PUT THE B'S BACK ON TOP

This is becoming a trend.@BrendanGaunce16  Peter Cehlarik  pic.twitter.com/yAWESOwGxd

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) September 20, 2019

CONNOR CLIFTON MAKES IT 3-1

Cliffy Hockey is back. pic.twitter.com/h3flCaqYFj

— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) September 20, 2019

UP NEXT:

@ Blackhawks, Saturday, 8:30 p.m. vs Flyers, Monday, 7:00 p.m., NHL Network

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153392 Boston Bruins

Jaroslav Halak makes amazing save in Bruins' preseason game vs. Flyers

By Justin Leger September 19, 2019 7:54 PM

Hockey is officially back, folks.

The Bruins and Flyers faced off in a preseason matchup on Thursday night, and it was Jaroslav Halak providing the most notable highlight. The veteran B's goaltender made an absolutely ridiculous save on Philadelphia's Morgan Frost in the first period.

Sweeney recalls 'learning curve' of '15 Draft

Watch below:

Jaro with some straight wizardry.#NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/3g1fG1idRC

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) September 19, 2019

Frost's reaction pretty much says it all.

The Bruins have four preseason games remaining, then they'll begin their 2019-20 campaign on Oct. 3 when they visit the Dallas Stars.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153393 Boston Bruins Providence is going to be big. I just have to trust my game and play with confidence.”

At this point, Zboril and Senyshyn are never going to be able to make Bruce Cassidy's message to Jakub Zboril, Zach Senyshyn: 'It's time to people forget that players like Mathew Barzal, , Thomas separate yourself' Chabot and Brock Boeser were selected shortly after them in that infamous first round of the 2015 NHL Draft. But they can make sure they are of use to the B’s organization and still attempt to develop into the By Joe Haggerty September 19, 2019 12:20 PM impact players that Bruins scouts once clearly envisioned them to be four years ago.

If it doesn’t happen this season then it probably won’t be long before BRIGHTON, Mass – With Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo now either of them, or both, might be facing an uphill battle in another NHL signed and in training camp, the news is overwhelmingly positive for the organization that doesn’t have as much invested in them. Black and Gold with a full camp roster highlighted by players returning from last year’s run to the Stanley Cup Final. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.20.2019 “The band is back together now, eh?” said a smiling Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy when asked about it on Wednesday afternoon with everybody on the ice and Patrice Bergeron seemingly healthy with no restrictions, either.

But a slew of returning players and avoided contract snafus also means few open spots on the NHL roster with the start of the regular season just a couple of weeks away. For some players, the clock is running short on their time to make an impact and become part of a Bruins group expected to once again compete and go deep in the playoffs this season.

Bruins prospects like 23-year-old Anders Bjork, 22-year-old Zach Senyshyn and 22-year-old Jakub Zboril are at a major crossroads with the Black and Gold entering this season. All three enter the final year of their entry level deals, as do Jeremy Lauzon, Ryan Fitzgerald and Karson Kuhlman, and need to begin making a bigger impact if they want to remain within the organization.

“Those guys are in the last year of their entry deals. It is important. You’re playing for your spot here in Boston, but also for your livelihood. You want to earn that next contract, and for some guys it takes a little bit longer,” said Cassidy. “They should be farther down the line than a guy like [Oskar] Steen that’s just coming in here and it’s all new to them. You’d expect those guys to push through.

“It’s just the circle of life so to speak. You have guys turning pro every year and we’ve got to make room for them. It’s kind of time to separate yourself. You should be the first call-up if you’re in that situation, and that should be your goal.”

Certainly Bjork is in a bit of a different category since he’s already played 50 NHL games, and a pair of shoulder surgeries have played a big role in holding back his development. But for Zboril and Senyshyn, former first round picks in the 2015 NHL Draft, it’s getting to become now or never time after a couple of “just okay” seasons at the AHL level.

Zboril has put identical four goal, 19-point seasons at the AHL over the last two seasons in Providence, and did so last year while playing in 12 fewer games for the P-Bruins. Senyshyn finished with 14 goals and 24 points last season for Providence, a pair of points less than he scored in his first pro season while playing in 66 games both seasons.

Zboril hasn’t really tapped into the offensive end of his game that many projected for him when he was in junior hockey, and Senyshyn hasn’t much resembled the guy that scored 40-plus goals in the OHL during his junior career. The Bruins are still searching for a top-6 right wing to play with David Krejci, and that should be Senyshyn based on his age and where he was drafted.

It just hasn’t happened to this point as the undrafted Kuhlman took that spot in the Bruins lineup during the Stanley Cup Final, and open auditions are once again there for the spot this fall in training camp.

Each now has some NHL games under their belt, but both were also surpassed organizationally by Connor Clifton and Kuhlman last season when injuries hit the Black and Gold at the NHL level. That’s a pretty telling statement about where both Zboril and Senyshyn are currently at in the organization, and an indicator that they both need to step up their games. If not, the bust term is going to be applied to two of the three first round picks from the 2015 NHL draft where the Bruins became the first team in history to make three consecutive first round selections.

“I’m just trying to show my details and show my work ethic and use my speed to take pucks to the net,” said Senyshyn, who said that playing a couple of games in the NHL last season has ‘lit a fire under me.’ “I think doing the little details that I’ve done the last couple of years in 1153394 Boston Bruins again. Now I just want to play with a clear mind and hopefully fit within this structure somewhere. Just get this thing going and move on.”

Krug is in the last season of a four-year, $21 million contract. It was a fair Torey Krug awaits the call that could change his life deal following two show-me signings: his zero-options, one-year $1.4 million out of entry level, then a one-year, $3.4 million third contract.

By Fluto Shinzawa Sep 19, 2019 22 The league is shifting toward higher compensations for point-producing defensemen like McAvoy on their second contracts. But there are older examples of defensemen signing long-term deals as they approached free agency: Spurgeon, John Carlson (eight years, $64 million), Cam Torey Krug is watching. Fowler (eight years, $52 million), Ryan McDonagh (seven years, $47.25 Krug, 28, sees the seven-year, $53.025 million extension Minnesota million), Keith Yandle (seven years, $44.45 million). gave to Jared Spurgeon, 29, with one season remaining on his contract. Krug would be well within his rights to use these players as comparables. He is aware of the eight-year, $64 million second contract Ottawa’s Sweeney’s trick would incorporating Krug’s raise within his future salary Thomas Chabot signed with one season left on his entry-level deal. structure. Grzlecyk and Jake DeBrusk are restricted after this season. Charlie McAvoy scored a three-year, $14.7 million extension as a 10.2 Charlie Coyle will be unrestricted. Carlo and Danton Heinen, both on two- (c) player. In 2014, when Krug had the same black-hole classification, he year bridge deals, are up again after 2021. only managed a one-year, $1.4 million second contract. All Krug has to Part of Krug’s bargaining power is the interest he’d draw if he gets to free do is lean to his right in the Warrior Ice Arena dressing room to feel agency on July 1, 2020. His hometown Red Wings do not have a go-to Brandon Carlo’s wallet — newly fattened by $2.85 million annually — offensive defenseman. Their head coach, Jeff Blashill, coached Krug in practically poke into his stall. the USHL. The Blackhawks, who wooed Krug when he played at So Krug, who will be unrestricted next July, cannot help but experience Michigan State, need the next Duncan Keith. They would not be the only mixed feelings that negotiations have yet to begin on what will likely be teams in line. his final long-term, big-bucks kick at the can. “I’m no dummy,” Krug said when asked of his interest in testing free “Of course,” Krug said of wanting an extension during training camp. “I’ve agency. “I understand that what I do is a commodity in this league. I’m played on one-year deals a lot. I’ve had to prove myself a lot. I think I’ve sure there’s 30 other teams that would love to fit me in somewhere, built a resume to where I see other guys sign early and get their deals especially after this last playoff run. I’ve proven I can play valuable out of the way, I feel like I’ve built that resume and the respect level minutes against top-line players. I don’t think I’m too worried about within this locker room to be one of those guys. I would love to get it off having options or anything next year. My focus is on the here and now my mind. It’s not going to hinder my play at all. I’ve shown time and time with the Boston Bruins and trying to fit in and be a part of it.” again I’ve been able to be a professional and show up when the time is Krug is a first-time father. His wife Melanie gave birth to daughter Saylor needed. Just more for my family’s sake and wondering where we’re in June after the Cup final. Krug’s next contract will be the one that gives going to be for a while.” his family more security. It will be the one that decides where his As of Thursday, Krug said that Lewis Gross, his agent, has yet to begin daughter grows up. negotiations with Don Sweeney. The general manager has been Krug is waiting. occupied by extending McAvoy and Carlo along with all of the other machinations of camp. “I feel like there’s certain guys around the league that have the ability to sign extensions with their current club early, whether it’s a year earlier or “Everybody has their place on our hockey club, and Torey’s an important before that UFA season begins,” Krug said. “I feel like I have the respect part of our hockey club,” Sweeney said on Tuesday after announcing of my teammates and hopefully the respect of management that I can be Carlo’s extension. “We have some forecasting to do. We have some one of those guys. Just play with a clear mind and move on.” conversations that have to take place. And they will. I indicated to each and every one of our players that we will have those once I have the The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 ability to start to forecast a little more accurately. I’ll do that accordingly.”

By now, Krug, the perpetual prove-people-wrong player, has answered every question regarding his worth. A run to the Stanley Cup final in which Krug was probably the Bruins’ most valuable defenseman addressed the issue of whether he is an offense-only skater. He is not.

Perhaps the only questions remaining with Krug are when his game will decline and by how many degrees. Krug is at the peak of his powers. But it is just about guaranteed that if Krug signs an eight-year maximum deal with the Bruins, his skills will diminish as he rides down the aging curve into his mid-30s.

It’s why Krug’s extension, assuming there will be one, will be among Sweeney’s trickiest transactions. Krug’s touch on the power play may be more insulated from wear and tear relative to his 5-on-5 performance. But long-term deals for 28-year-old defensemen who are not free-flowing skaters — think John Moore — can sometimes be problematic.

The back end of a Krug extension, however, is naturally not at the forefront of anyone’s thinking. Assuming good health, Krug will be a power play dynamo, 5-on-5 firestarter and capable even-strength defender. These are all elements that Zdeno Chara (42), Patrice Bergeron (34), David Krejci (33) and Tuukka Rask (32) welcome with open arms as they prepare for however many more Cup sprints remain in their aging legs. To let Krug walk after this season, even if McAvoy or Matt Grzelcyk can assume more shifts, would not align with the core’s last hurrah.

“I’m not stressed,” Krug said. “It’s a great problem to have. Let’s not kid ourselves. But it’s still something that’s on your mind. I feel like you always play your best when you’re one, either trying to prove yourself, or two, you have a clear mind. I feel like I’ve proven myself time and time 1153395 Boston Bruins near TD Garden. In that way, Kuhlman was happy to pay the rent on the Providence apartment he had shared with Wiley Sherman and Cameron Hughes.

Home sweet … hotel? In Bruins camp, room service is life for bubble “You’ve got a suitcase and a backpack full of stuff,” Kuhlman said. players “That’s what you live out of. At the same time, it’s important to really get comfortable where you are. I think getting away from the rink mentally and physically is really good for your game. When you come back, you By Fluto Shinzawa Sep 19, 2019 feel recharged. It’s important to make it feel as comfortable as possible.”

This year, the 23-year-old has started camp as the No. 2 right wing next to DeBrusk and Krejci. But an NHL paycheck is not guaranteed for By January 2018, there were no doubts about Sean Kuraly’s varsity Kuhlman out of camp. As such, he is part of the group at the Sonesta, status. As of New Year’s Day, the No. 4 center was one of six Bruins to wondering if he’ll get the nod to find a place. In a city like Boston, where have appeared in every game. Brandon Carlo, Zdeno Chara, Charlie inventory is scarce and prices climb daily, it may serve Kuhlman well to McAvoy, David Pastrnak and Tim Schaller were the others. practice patience. Yet the 25-year-old was still living in team-provided housing in the “I’ve kind of been checking out the city quite a bit,” Kuhlman said with a Fenway. smile. “It’s an awesome city. There’s a lot of great areas. We’ll cross that The tenuous nature of permanent NHL employment encourages teams to bridge when we get there.” practice caution when approving in-season housing. This is especially Kyle Keyser resides in the lowest segment. Barring catastrophe for true during training camp. Tuukka Rask, Jaroslav Halak and Maxime Lagace, the 20-year-old goalie Veterans are free to secure digs in and around Boston. Chara, who has a will begin his pro career in Providence. Keyser is going through camp as real estate license, owns multiple properties downtown. David Backes part of the Sonesta crew that has no intention of pursuing Boston purchased a home in the suburbs. housing. In fact, Keyser has yet to check out the Providence market.

But the players whose NHL jobs are in question return to team-booked Wherever he lands, Keyser will experience life as a pro for the first time. hotels after completing their workdays at Warrior Ice Arena. It’s not as For the last three seasons, during his junior career in Oshawa, Keyser glamorous as it sounds. In 2017-18, when Kuraly made the team out of lived with a billet family. The teenager did not have to spend much of his camp, he lived at Cambridge’s Royal Sonesta Hotel for several months, time at the supermarket. sharing a room. That will change when Keyser is assigned to Providence. He will have to “I love JD. I love Heino,” Kuraly said of Jake DeBrusk and Danton find a place to shop for groceries as well as somewhere to live. It may be Heinen, two of his hotel roommates in 2017-18. “I don’t want to sleep five that Keyser is better equipped to survive on his own than others. feet from them.” “Yeah, I am a good cook, actually,” Keyser said. “I don’t like cooking. But Kuraly, in the second season of a three-year, $3.825 million contract, I am good at it. I’ve done it for quite a while. I do a salmon with sweet now has his own apartment downtown. He lived in Boston for part of this potato and asparagus. Or steak with sweet potato and asparagus. Big summer before returning to his offseason home in Ohio, where he grew grill guy.” up. Cooking is just one thing Keyser will have to master on his way to the Kuraly’s job is even more secure than before. The 26-year-old will slot in NHL. Life outside the rink is critical to on-ice success. behind Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci and Charlie Coyle. Joakim As of now, Keyser does not even know where that will be. Nordstrom and Chris Wagner are likely to be his linemates on the fourth line. Kuraly’s postseason impact upon returning from a busted hand The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 proved how even a No. 4 center and penalty killer can be a critical shift- disrupting asset.

Yet job security is only part of Kuraly’s relative ease during the preseason. At night, Kuraly can return to his place and unplug from the stress of camp.

“Let’s just say going through training camp in this position is a lot nicer,” Kuraly said. “You feel like you’ve got your roots. I’ve got a fridge full of food. I’ve got a place. I’ve got my own bed. I’ve got a little bit more of a routine. It just feels more like home when you go home.”

Until the Bruins had no reservations about Kuraly’s permanent NHL residence, they did not give him the green light to go out on his own.

In 2017-18, once he left the Sonesta’s room service behind, Kuraly moved to the Fenway, where he shared a team-provided apartment with Grzelcyk and Heinen. The Bruins pay for temporary housing for select players — those fighting to make the roster at the start of each season, for example, or those promoted or acquired later in the year.

Kuraly enjoyed living with his friends. But it was time for some personal space.

“It’s free rent,” Kuraly said of the team-provided housing. “But you’d rather pay.”

Sometime in the middle of January 2018, Kuraly finally got word that his job was safe. He was free to find his own place. It was welcome news to receive.

“Ohh, it’s nice,” Kuraly said. “You feel a little bit more security. A little bit more like you’ve done your work, keep doing what you’re doing, you’re good enough. Just a good feeling. Like you’d expect.”

Karson Kuhlman belongs to the next tier. He has 19 games of NHL experience, including eight from last year’s Stanley Cup run. After his sixth and final recall, Kuhlman lived in team-provided housing downtown 1153396 Buffalo Sabres Jokiharju, 20, has been intriguing to the coaches and looked strong in Monday's game. He split last year between Chicago and Rockford of the AHL and is pushing to start this season in the NHL, although getting a With Brandon Montour sidelined, pressure increases on Sabres' boost from others' injuries is not how he'd prefer to stick. defensive depth "I don't really want to think about that kind of stuff," Jokiharju said. "It's tough to see a teammate get injured, hard to see that."

By Mike Harrington Published Thu, Sep 19, 2019|Updated Thu, Sep 19, Jokiharju prefers the right side and Krueger said both Jokiharju and Miller 2019 could conceivably play either side. The off side might give Jokiharju a chance at more offense, setting him up for more one-timers facing the middle of the ice.

If you scratched out the Buffalo Sabres' defense corps on paper over the "If I have to play the left side, I'd be fine with it, too," Jokiharju said. "It's summer, you had quite a logjam. It's not that way now, as things are just hockey. I'm OK with that. You have to be strong in the neutral zone sorting themselves out in a way new coach Ralph Krueger said he hopes and defensive zone. In offensive zone, it's pretty fun to play the left side." soon stops. Krueger said Ristolainen and newly acquired winger Marcus Johansson, The Sabres announced Thursday they won't have a potential top-pair who sat out the first two exhibition games, will get in the lineup this player for the start of the regular season as Brandon Montour will be out weekend, but neither was in the lineup announced Thursday night for for an undetermined period after suffering a hand injury in Tuesday's Friday's game. That would mean they would play in Saturday's return preseason loss at Columbus. match against the Toronto Maple Leafs in KeyBank Center. The coach said it's a possible a few players may appear in both games. Montour, acquired last year at the trade deadline from Anaheim, likely was looking at the No. 1 slot on right defense opposite Rasmus Dahlin. No. 1 pick Dylan Cozens is getting his second game Friday on a thin He had looked solid in camp after coming back from an MCL injury to his roster that doesn't include the likes of Dahlin, Jack Eichel or Jeff Skinner. knee suffered playing for Team Canada at the World Championship in in May. The other forwards are Casey Mittelstadt, Kyle Okposo, Conor Sheary, Tage Thompson, Vladimir Sobotka, C.J. Smith, Remi Elie, Arttu The Sabres ruled out Montour for the final four preseason games, which Ruotsalainen, Curtis Lazar, Kevin Porter, Jean-Sebastien Dea. Jokiharju open Friday night at Toronto, and Krueger said it's highly doubtful will be on defense with McCabe, Gilmour, Will Borgen, Zach Redmond, Montour will be on the ice for the season opener Oct. 3 in Pittsburgh. Brandon Hickey and Jacob Bryson. Linus Ullmark and Andrew Hammond will be in goal "I wouldn't expect him right off the hop but pretty soon thereafter," Krueger said after practice in KeyBank Center. "At the moment, we're The Sabres are likely to make many roster cuts on Sunday, as the going through camp with this situation and we'll work on it. He can keep Rochester Amerks open camp on Monday. The Sabres had 45 players his lower body moving, which is important. He's worked so hard after the skating on Thursday, as defenseman Casey Fitzgerald and winger Scott (knee) injury to get up to speed. So if there is a positive in this, it's that. At Wilson joined Montour on the sidelines. They are listed as day to day least he can keep his legs." with lower-body injuries.

"He's a very big deal," Dahlin said. "He's been doing a lot for our team. "It's just continuing here for the new coaching group to really see where It's not fun when that happens. But he will probably be back soon and the opportunities are for everybody," Krueger said. "Left sides, right everything is going to be all right." sides. We're looking at other synergies. We'll see after the two Toronto games, we'll be making some decisions." Montour had three goals and seven assists in 20 games for the Sabres last season. He averaged 21 minutes, 46 seconds per game with Buffalo. The Sabres completed the last of their four camp practices with two The 25-year-old has been durable, missing just two games over the last groups of players on Thursday. They're taking Sunday off and will have three years with the Ducks and Sabres. just one practice group when they return to the ice Monday. The next practice open to the public is Sept. 26 in LECOM Harborcenter. Montour's absence puts the Sabres down four defensemen, although this is the first surprise injury. Buffalo will start the season minus Zach Buffalo News LOADED: 09.20.2019 Bogosian (hip) and Lawrence Pilut (shoulder), who are recovering from offseason surgeries. Matt Hunwick (neck) has been ruled out for this season as well, and likely will retire.

The Montour injury might also put the brakes on any discussions the Sabres are having about trading Rasmus Ristolainen, who was back in his role as the team's No. 1 right-shot defenseman Thursday by default.

"I'm quite pleased that we have the depth, I have to say honestly," Krueger said. "You wouldn't want the depth to creep in this quickly but it gives us opportunities, so we feel confident that we can start with a solid D-corps group. We weren't sure on the mix. There's a few players we all know would be in that top six, but generally, there were some question marks.

"This gives us an opportunity to get to know the six that will eventually be starting, with some excellent players pushing when they come back. So it is an opportunity, but we'd like to stop it here with the testing of our depth."

The Sabres shuffled their practice groups Thursday, leaving Dahlin with Ristolainen and Marco Scandella with newcomer Colin Miller. Henri Jokiharju, acquired in a summer trade with Chicago for Alex Nylander, was skating on the left side (his off side) with Casey Nelson.

Jake McCabe and newcomer John Gilmour, who scored a slick goal in Monday's exhibition opener against Pittsburgh, were the big names on defense in the second group.

"We've got other D that want to play a lot of minutes," Dahlin said. "We've got a really good D corp going on. You have to battle in practice and every single game. We only get better from that." 1153397 Buffalo Sabres “At the present situation, Joki will probably be starting on the right side, but we’ll see how it evolves over the camp,” Krueger said. “I’ve coached teams that had six left-handers and I’m not afraid of that. I think it’s all How Brandon Montour’s hand injury could affect the Sabres’ defensive about supporting them properly and setting up the breakouts accordingly. pairings You can do things as a coach to help a guy playing his off side, for sure.”

– The other interesting pair from Team Blue is Gilmour and Borgen. That could be the top pair in Rochester but it could also be a battle between By Joe Yerdon Sep 19, 2019 those two to grab a final spot in Buffalo. Gilmour played well against the Penguins and Borgen offers a physical defensive element that Nelson,

Jokiharju, and Gilmour don’t have. One of the advantages the Sabres had going into training camp was the As for piecing together what an opening night defense group could be, vast number of defensemen they had to compete for NHL jobs. Now, with swapping McCabe and Stephens from Team Gold essentially does that. Brandon Montour set to miss the remainder of the preseason and Here’s how the pairs could shake out: perhaps longer with a hand injury, the situation is about to get more interesting. Dahlin – Jokiharju

Montour’s injury occurred in Tuesday’s preseason loss to Columbus. The McCabe – Ristolainen injury is even more frustrating to the defenseman given his recent recovery from a knee injury sustained during World Championships in Scandella – Miller May. For the Sabres, his absence takes out a player who is being Extra: Nelson counted on to provide big minutes in all situations. The other part of what Montour’s injury does is show how it stresses “I wouldn’t expect him right off the hop but pretty soon thereafter. At the Ristolainen’s importance to the group now. Even though his place on the moment, we’re going through camp with his situation,” coach Ralph team still seems tenuous, Ristolainen very well could be in Buffalo a bit Krueger said. longer now.

The Sabres opened camp knowing they weren’t going to have Lawrence The situation in Winnipeg, in which Dustin Byfuglien has taken a leave of Pilut, Matt Hunwick and Zach Bogosian. All three of them could have absence from the team, could mean the Jets need to make a move to been on the opening night roster. Montour definitely would be. Forging add a minutes-eating right-handed defensemen. As The Athletic’s Pierre through the remainder of camp and beyond without them isn’t something LeBrun points out, it’s a buyer’s market for defensemen, but Winnipeg’s any coach wants to deal with, let alone one returning to the NHL after six salary cap and restricted free agent situation could make pulling off a seasons away. deal for Ristolainen difficult. With Montour out for the rest of the “We feel confident that we can start with a solid ‘D’ corps group,” Krueger preseason and possibly into the start of the regular season, the team that said. “To tell you the truth, we weren’t sure of the mix. There’s a few needs Ristolainen the most could be the Sabres. players that we all know would be in that top six but generally there were The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 some question marks. This gives us an opportunity to get to know the six that will be eventually starting, with some excellent players pushing when they come back. It is an opportunity, but we’d like to stop it here with the testing of our depth.”

While Krueger changed his groups up on Thursday ahead of the weekend home-and-home set against the Toronto Maple Leafs, what we saw from the pairings at the day’s two practices had a few reminders of last season.

Team Gold

Rasmus Dahlin – Rasmus Ristolainen

Henri Jokiharju – Casey Nelson

Marco Scandella – Colin Miller

Devante Stephens

Team Blue

Jake McCabe – Brandon Hickey

John Gilmour – William Borgen

Jacob Bryson – Zach Redmond

With Montour out — as well as Casey Fitzgerald, who is day to day with a lower body injury — Jason Botterill’s idea to hoard blue liners is keeping this situation from being thoroughly dire.

A few things stand out here:

– If Dahlin and Ristolainen are reunited — something that didn’t exactly work last season — it’s worth seeing them together with Krueger in charge. Having new eyes, a new style, and new ideas should give the duo a look in a game, particularly since Krueger said Ristolainen (and forward Marcus Johansson) won’t play many games in the preseason.

– Jokiharju practiced on the left side earlier in camp only to play on the right against Pittsburgh. Although he said he prefers to play on his strong side on the right, playing on the left means making adjustments in other areas on the ice.

Jokiharju stands the best chance to benefit from Montour and Bogosian’s absence. Buffalo will need an able right-handed puck mover back there, which is Jokiharju’s biggest strength. 1153398 Calgary Sun: LOADED: 09.20.2019

Ryan Lomberg hoping to muscle into Flames' forward mix

Wes Gilbertson

To the casual observer, it still looks like a training-camp number.

Ryan Lomberg, however, picked these fresh digits from the list of available options.

The 25-year-old spark-provider, something of a known commodity after a few call-up stints with the Calgary Flames, has switched this season to No. 70.

“Just wanted to get rid of my rookie number,” Lomberg reasoned. “My team had a good year when I wore No. 70 in junior, and I had a pretty good year, too.”

It was that winter, as captain of the United States Hockey League’s Youngstown Phantoms, that Lomberg first caught the attention of the Flames’ scouting staff.

When he first arrived as an undrafted free-agent, the speedy left-winger was assigned No. 56. He’s sported that sweater for each of 11 big- league showings to date — seven of ’em during the 2017-18 campaign, four more last season. (He was also suspended for two nights last December after line-changing to pick a fight with Minnesota’s Matt Dumba, a response to an open-ice hit on teammate Mikael Backlund.)

Truth is, Lomberg doesn’t really give a rip about the digits stitched on his back.

He simply wants to see that No. 70 hanging in a locker-stall at the Saddledome instead of packing for a return to Stockton, Calif., home of the Flames’ farm club.

“I know I can play here now. I’ve done it the last couple of years,” said Lomberg, who has one assist, four fights and 32 penalty minutes on his big-league stat-sheet. “It’s just when I get in the games, when I get the opportunities, to show them that I can help them win. I want to be here. It sucked to watch what happened last year (in the playoffs), and I think I can help them. I just have to make it evident to them that I can stick and be a big part of their team and ultimately help them win.

“I know I’m ready more than I ever have been. I know I can play here. It’s just making sure I give myself the opportunity. I’m not expecting them to give me a lot of chances. It’s all on me at this point. I have to earn what I get. I will earn it, and then it’s just on myself to make sure I stay here when I get the opportunity.”

On the opening day of main camp, Flames general manager Brad Treliving told reporters that the coaching staff counted 17 or 18 forwards capable of contending for an opening-night gig at the highest level.

Lomberg is likely on that list, although closer to the bottom. All of the regulars skated in Thursday’s early ice-time, but No. 70 wasn’t among the 16 forwards in that star-studded group. Instead, he was one of six guys with NHL experience to skate in the early-afternoon session.

The Flames lost their leading thumper in free-agency — Garnet Hathaway turned a team-high 200 hits into a four-year deal from the Washington Capitals — and the 5-foot-10, 190-lb. Lomberg certainly likes to get his licks in. A pair of training-camp tryout invitees, Zac Rinaldo and Devante Smith-Pelly, are in town for mostly that same reason.

Hathaway was also a regular on the penalty-kill, a spot where Lomberg will be auditioned during exhibition action.

“I have the same mentality I have — I haven’t done enough to put myself in a position where they’re saving a spot for me,” Lomberg said. “Every year I’ve been here, the spot that I want is in competition with a few other guys. I’m just going to take care of what I can, work as hard as I can. I know I put the work in. I know I can do it. It’s just on me to show them that I can be an effective and impactful player at this level.”

ICE CHIPS

The Flames released defenceman Eric Gryba from his professional tryout. 1153399 Calgary Flames right way. And I think he’s used it as motivation and I think he’s used it as a learning tool and you can see it in how it’s playing.”

If you can, indeed, see the difference in how he’s playing, Czarnik wants Austin Czarnik determined to emerge as every-nighter for Flames to put that on display 82 times this season.

His 28 healthy-scratchings last winter were, for the personal liking of any Wes Gilbertson competitive spirit, 28 too many.

“Obviously, you want to be out there playing with the guys — especially when they’re winning every single game,” said Czarnik, also a spectator The X-rays came back negative. for four of five playoff tilts. “You’re so happy for the team, but you want to be a part of that. You want to be in those moments where the game is Calgary Flames speedster Austin Czarnik is limping a bit after blocking a going to overtime or you’re getting a big win. That’s one thing I just want shot with his ankle in the final moments of a pre-season friendly earlier to be a part of this year more of. this week in Victoria, B.C., but there’s nothing broken. “I think just being consistent, that’s the biggest thing for me. I just want to Good news. play. Obviously, sitting out, it’s hard. I want to be consistent enough to And more good news … where I’m in the lineup and I can enjoy everything that comes our way. I think it’s important to be a guy that is depended on, and I want to be that Czarnik came back feeling positive. for this team.”

His first campaign in Calgary didn’t unfold exactly how he was hoping — Calgary Sun: LOADED: 09.20.2019 he was, after all, the most frequent healthy scratch among Flames’ forwards in 2018-19 — but the 26-year-old right-winger figures those frustrations will ultimately be beneficial.

“What I went through last year, it was tough,” Czarnik said. “Now, I know how to learn from it, how to carry myself, how to be a better pro every single day …

“It’s something that, growing up and in college, I never had to deal with. So I had to learn from it, and I think have. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s these moments where you learn about who you are — and when you can understand who you are, I think it just helps you grow as a person and it helps you grow as a player.

“So I think for me, it was blessing. Wouldn’t trade it for anything. You just have to attack this year with the mindset of, ‘It’s not going to happen again.’ ”

It’s easy to forget, after so many nights as a spare-part, that there also plenty to be proud of in 2019-19.

Czarnik still suited up 54 times, a new career-high. For the first time in his four seasons of professional puck, he didn’t see the inside of an arena.

Although it’s not what some fantasy-poolies had in mind, his six goals and 18 points were also his highest totals to date at the NHL level. That included a run of four snipes in a five-game stretch in February, following a month-long stint as a scratch.

“I just started feeling good and playing with confidence, and it’s obviously hard to get that confidence when you’ve been out for that long,” Czarnik recalled. “For me to get one in my first game back, I feel like my confidence just grew exponentially. That’s when I felt like, ‘Hey, I can do this.’ I was feeling good and for the rest of the season, I felt like I was making plays and doing a lot of the right things. That’s when I knew, ‘Ok, I can do this, for sure. I know it’s the end of the season now, but I’ll get back to it next year.’ ”

Next year has now arrived.

One thing that hasn’t changed any is the Flames are still thin on right wing. There will, no doubt, be opportunities for Czarnik to push for an expanded role.

He made a positive impression during Monday’s split-squad victory over the Vancouver Canucks in Victoria, twice bulging twine. The higher-ups must have been impressed by that blocked shot too, even though No. 27 was slated to audition again Wednesday against the San Jose Sharks but instead needed the night off to rest his sore wheel.

(Czarnik, who married his better-half Rachael during the summer, was back on the ice for Thursday’s practice at WinSport’s Markin MacPhail Centre.)

“He’s come in with a different kind of confidence,” praised Flames associate coach Geoff Ward, who ran the bench in Victoria. “I like the way he played (Monday), and it’s a credit to him because he’s a different kind of guy now. You can see it, there’s a business-like approach to what he’s doing. That’s not to knock what he did last year, but I think the time that he spent in the press-box and doing the extra, I think he treated it the 1153400 Carolina Hurricanes “That’s just not quite right (no pun intended),” he said. “You need to have the hands to match. We’ll figure it out.”

Maybe it’s Gauthier’s turn. Civian: Not to be dramatic after two preseason games, but it’s gotta be Erik Haula left the game in the second with a “lower-body injury,” but Julien Gauthier season Brind’Amour said it was pre-cautionary, and unrelated to the knee injury that sidelined him last season: “We’re not gonna take any chances, this time in the season or anytime. He felt something, kind of a twinge, not By Sara Civian Sep 19, 2019 knee related.”

Martin Necas had a generally forgettable 14:50 outing, but it’s just one preseason game so no panicking yet. There was a play behind the net Julien Gauthier has been waiting for his turn since the Hurricanes took where he snatched the puck from two Lightning players that I liked. Not him 21st overall in 2016. sure what the plan was for him on the power play he got (3:57 power play With a Calder Cup now on his resume, and the way he carries his 6-foot- TOI), but I would’ve liked to see him set up in the right circle more. Again, 4, 225 pounds-ish frame, it’s easy to forget he’s only 21 years old. it’s just one game and he didn’t do anything particularly bad. Maybe next time. He talks about his latest (and best) opportunity to make the NHL with an almost misplaced desperation, reminiscent of “Lose Yourself” by Not to be dramatic, but: Eminem. JAKE GARDINER WAS SO RIDICULOUSLY NEEDED ON THIS GOD “I’m here to make the team,” he said after several big boy plays in the FORSAKEN POWER PLAY, CHRIST Hurricanes’ 2-0 preseason win over Tampa Bay on Wednesday. “There’s — SARA ‘MORNING SKATE TWEETER’ CIV (@SARACIVIAN) no day off. I don’t even have one shift off. There is no playing around.” SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 His post-game demeanor reminded me that sometimes messing up is Move that puck, king. Speaking of the power play, the units ended up underrated. Gauthier messed up the easier route handed to him as a going through the line blender (just preseason things), but Justin Faulk first-round pick of a team that’d been in not-good-not-bad purgatory for only got 17 seconds. Brind’Amour said postgame that he’s trying to see almost a decade. Sixteen goals in his 2017-18 rookie season in Charlotte what the Canes have in this aspect, and the Lord knows what they have was disappointing, even if he was touted for his power forward potential. in Faulk on the power play. But maybe they were also trying to see what But then in 2018-19 it was 27 goals. it could look like without him …

Now it’s Rod Brind’Amour singling him out with two consecutive For those who weren’t watching a vaguely streamable Wednesday night preseason games. preseason game:

“There are a few guys we’re looking at a little closer, and you can’t earn a Power play unit “one”: team spot in practice,” Brind’Amour had said after morning skate. “We Ryan Dzingel-Aho-Nino Niederreiter-Teuvo Teravainen need to make sure they’re getting as many looks as we can give them. He’s obviously one of those guys we need to give a good shot.” Jake Gardiner

It’s Gauthier’s turn, and he’s taking it so seriously because he took it for Power play unit “two”: granted the first time. Haula-Staal-Svechnikov-Necas WE'RE SORRY IF THIS AWESOME HIGHLIGHT GETS YOU SO PUMPED FOR HOCKEY SEASON THAT YOU CAN'T FALL ASLEEP Dougie Hamilton TONIGHT PIC.TWITTER.COM/UWTIBKULDI I wonder if the Canes have considered a format a bit more creative than — CAROLINA HURRICANES (@CANESNHL) SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 the typical 4F-1D. Good looks aside, they went 0-5 Wednesday.

“It was a bit of a process, my first year was harder,” he said. “But I got At one point Teravainen tried to pass from the dot on the power play and better. … I can use my strength more now and it just pays off.” I chuckled. He is who he is. I feel like he’s going to have a career season.

He refuses to overthink it this time around. Choose your fighter: Svechnikov’s lowered shoulder vs. Gauthier’s lowered shoulder. I figured Brind’Amour and all his post-game locker room speech glory had said something to inspire Gauthier after adding him to Wednesday’s The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 roster, or that Gauthier had said something to him.

“No, no, not really,” Gauthier retorted. “I just don’t try to ask any questions (about it). I’m used to it (back-to-backs). I’m just ready. Every night.”

He stood out as he did the previous night in Tampa Bay with a few choice plays that showcased his size, playmaking ability and rare fearlessness.

“Bull in a china shop” was tossed around a lot in the room.

There was the assist, some ankle breaking in a Sebastian Aho-esque video game maneuver with about 8:45 left in the second period (no preseason video feed I can pull GIFs from so just trust my notes like the olden days), two hits and 13:25 TOI, including a brief vote of confidence on the “second” power play unit and a promotion to the Jordan Staal– Andrei Svechnikov line.

“His confidence is there,” Brind’Amour said. “The strength is there. He’s a bull out there, and he’s got good hands around the net. He’s not afraid to take it to the net. He’s that power forward. If we can work on some other things to help him get to this level, that’s obviously the goal.”

Especially when he’s a right shot unicorn in Left Shots Anonymous, the unofficial Carolina Hurricanes 2019-20 slogan. Brind’Amour acknowledged that Wednesday — Justin Williams‘ absence means an entire power play unit without a right shot. 1153401 Chicago Blackhawks “He was effective in a lot of ways,” Colliton said. “He was using his skating to defend both off the rush and closing in (the defensive) zone. Even just to be able to jump and win a race on a loose puck ... because obviously once he wins a race he can make a play. Adam Boqvist, 19, appears to be ready for the Blackhawks — but he might spend the season in the AHL "He did a lot of good things and of course he had a lot of flashy offensive plays everyone’s going to notice and we notice too. But ultimately we want to see him defend and saw some positive things from him, no doubt.” By JIMMY GREENFIELD Even though the ensuing shot went wide right, the play Boqvist made

through his legs Wednesday was reminiscent of a move he made during In 1998, when the Cubs were about to send 20-year-old prospect Kerry development camp that dropped jaws. But it came against prospects in a Wood back to the minor leagues during spring training, Angels manager scrimmage, not in an NHL preseason game. Terry Collins quipped that they were his choice to win the World Series. ADAM BOQVIST pic.twitter.com/VSTA6f1JoV “If they have five pitchers better than him,” Collins said, “they’re going all the way.” — Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 19, 2019

The situations are not quite the same, but the way Adam Boqvist has Boqvist doesn’t plan those plays and he’s not concerned if it appears performed during training camp, it’s hard to believe the Blackhawks have he’s showboating. six defensemen who are better than the 2018 first-round pick. “It just happened,” Boqvist said. “(The defender) was sliding a little bit Boqvist, 19, scored a mind-blowing goal in the Hawks’ first preseason forward. At first I was going to go inside him and take a shot, but then he game Monday against the Capitals, settling the puck down from midair was going there so I had to go behind my legs because if I go in front of behind the net before coming around and shooting at a ridiculous angle my legs, it’s easier to take the puck off me. I had pretty good speed too. to beat the goalie. "It’s nice that it worked, but (sometimes) it’s maybe not going to work .@BoqvistAdam is a defenseman‼️ pic.twitter.com/A8NnM68CgJ here it’s maybe a goal back in the net. You have to take the right chances.” — Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) September 17, 2019 Chicago Tribune LOADED: 09.20.2019 During Wednesday’s preseason home opener at the United Center, Boqvist again displayed his remarkable offensive talent. He passed the puck to himself through his legs to get around a Red Wings defender easily and create a scoring chance that didn’t seem possible.

Adam Boqvist is a defenseman: Part 2‼️ pic.twitter.com/Tkv9sxTzlg

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) September 19, 2019

The play blew up on Twitter, and Boqvist noticed.

“Yeah, I saw a little bit,” he said. “It’s not a big deal — I didn’t score. Of course, it’s fun that guys think it looks cool.”

Yet Boqvist is almost certainly going to start the season with Rockford, showing off his electric offensive talent and working on his defensive game in the AHL while waiting for an opening with the Hawks — an opening that might not come this season.

Boqvist might be ready for the Hawks, but they don’t appear to be ready for him.

The expected starting defensemen are Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Erik Gustafsson and Connor Murphy and newcomers Olli Maatta and Calvin de Haan. If they remain healthy, those six should hang on to their starting spots all season.

De Haan is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery and a groin injury but is trending toward being ready for the Oct. 4 season opener in Prague.

Carl Dahlstrom or Slater Koekkoek likely will be the seventh defenseman in a reserve role that isn’t an option for Boqvist, who needs to play every game, whether with the IceHogs or the Hawks.

At practice Thursday, the Hawks divided the roster of 50-plus into two sessions, the first of which was composed of players who appear on track to start the season in the minors, including Dylan Sikura, Philip Holm and, yes, Boqvist.

To be clear, the Hawks haven’t sent Boqvist down, and he still might fly with the team to Europe. Coach Jeremy Colliton said he’s likely to bring a few extra players when the Hawks leave for Berlin on Sept. 26. But Boqvist being grouped with the AHL players is a sign of what’s to come.

“There’s a lot of good defensemen here, and if they (team officials) don’t think I did enough, it is what it is,” Boqvist said. “I’m just going to work hard every day and show them I want to be with the other group.”

Boqvist has improved on defense from last year, when he was the last blue liner cut. Colliton has pointed out Boqvist’s growth during camp and noticed it again Wednesday against the Red Wings. 1153402 Chicago Blackhawks

Hawks coach Jeremy Colliton hopes David Kampf can grow offensively on line with Brandon Saad, Dominik Kubalik

Kampf, Saad and Kubalik appear likely to make up the Hawks’ third line. Kampf will need to show more productivity to make it effective.

By Ben Pope Sep 19, 2019, 6:15pm CDT

David Kampf has been a heavily defensive forward in his NHL career to date, but Jeremy Colliton now envisions more for the Czech center. Getty

The Blackhawks’ third line on opening night Oct. 4 appears to be trending toward David Kampf centering Dominik Kubalik and Brandon Saad.

Coach Jeremy Colliton had high praise for the trio after the Hawks’ preseason victory Wednesday, and although he clarified Thursday the ‘‘combination isn’t set in stone,’’ it appears likely if Alex Nylander and Andrew Shaw stay on track to fill out the top two lines.

Kampf and Kubalik have an off-ice friendship dating to a stint on the same Czech youth team. But other than that chemistry, it’s a difficult mixture to categorize. Kampf has been one of the Hawks’ most defensive forwards the last two seasons, and newcomer Kubalik, with his laser-like one-timer and nose for the net, is more of a power-play specialist. Well- rounded, battle-tested Saad falls somewhere in the middle.

Here’s Colliton’s logic for the seemingly hodgepodge line: ‘‘[Kampf is] a very good transporter of the puck from our end to their end. . . . Both Kubalik and Saad, they can score, [so] let’s get them in the offensive zone.’’

Reviewing the statistics, Colliton is right about Kampf’s efficiency on offensive-zone entries. He’s well above league average in that regard (though so are most of the Hawks).

On the other hand, Kampf often struggles once he is in the offensive zone. He had the third-lowest rate of shot attempts and the fourth-lowest rate of scoring chances among Hawks forwards last season and has scored only eight goals in 109 NHL games.

Those tendencies — strong defense, poor offense — become contagious for his linemates, too. Take Saad, for example. Last season, Saad with Kampf produced 0.88 shot attempts and allowed 0.89 attempts per minute. Saad without Kampf produced one shot attempt and allowed 0.94 attempts per minute.

Those trends are perfectly good for a conservative, penalty-killing center — and that, Kampf is — but slotting him alongside Saad and Kubalik indicates he’ll be expected to take on a bigger role this season. Colliton is optimistic there’s more to Kampf’s offensive game than he has shown.

‘‘There’s a lot of chances he creates for himself and his linemates,’’ Colliton said. ‘‘I would just like the shot selection to be a little better, but we’ve talked about it; he knows it. Make an intelligent shot. You don’t have to go bar-down every time. Whether you create a rebound or consistently hit your spot, you can create some extra goals for yourself.’’

Kampf has received the message.

‘‘For sure, I can be better in my shots,’’ he said Thursday, demonstrating his improved English, too. ‘‘I have so many chances to score, but, I don’t know, I need to work on my shot.’’

Colliton has an explanation for Kampf’s faceoff struggles, too, which appear on paper to be another concern. His faceoff percentage slipped from 53.0 in 2017-18 to 45.3 in 2018-19, but Colliton attributed that to him being forced to take a number of off-handed, right-side draws. The offseason addition of right-handed center Ryan Carpenter will enable the Hawks to use Kampf more exclusively on left-side faceoffs.

There’s clearly a lot riding on Colliton’s vision for Kampf, but he was undeniably solid Wednesday. It’s a good start.

‘‘Ultimately, he can be valuable for us, whether he produces or not,’’ Colliton said.

Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153403 Chicago Blackhawks "He was going (to cut me off), so I had to go behind my legs," Boqvist said. "Because if I'm going in front of my legs, it's easier to take the puck from me.

'He obviously has a lot of skill': Adam Boqvist off to impressive start in "It's nice that it works, but sometimes it's maybe not going to work and it's Blackhawks training camp maybe a goal (the other way). You have to take the right chances."

Daily Herald Times LOADED: 09.20.2019

John Dietz

It takes quite a bit to impress Duncan Keith.

But that's exactly what Adam Boqvist did -- not once, but twice -- during the Blackhawks' 2-1 preseason victory over the Detroit Red Wings Wednesday at the United Center.

Boqvist's first eye-opening move came early in the second period when he pulled off a between-the-legs, toe-drag move just in front of the Detroit net. A split second later, he rifled a shot that goalie Jonathan Bernier barely deflected with the top of his glove.

Shortly thereafter, the 19-year-old Boqvist wheeled around a slow- moving Red Wings player and fired off another high-quality shot.

"He obviously has a lot of skill," said Keith, who reminded us that he was playing junior hockey at the same age Boqvist is now. "The things he's doing out there, it shows a lot about the poise he has. He's just going to continue to get better and better the more comfortable he gets."

It's important to remember that Boqvist is impressing against players who figure to be in the minors this season. Still, we've seen him pull off these moves -- and unleash his wicked shot -- enough times that it's fair to wonder just how high this kid's ceiling is.

Said Keith, who spent 80 percent of his postgame interview talking about Boqvist: "Those are the little plays like that only a few guys really make, and he's one of them. He brings fans out of their seats when he does those type of things."

Despite the fact he's having another outstanding training camp, it does appear Boqvist will begin the season in Rockford. He practiced in a group that had all prospects and minor leaguers at Fifth Third Arena Thursday.

"There's a lot of good defensemen here," said Boqvist, the eighth overall pick of the 2018 draft. "If they don't think I've done enough, it is what it is. I can't be another guy (other) than me.

"I'm just going to work hard every day and show them I want to be with the other group."

That group includes veterans Keith, Brent Seabrook, Erik Gustafsson, Connor Murphy, Olli Maatta and Calvin de Haan. It would seem Boqvist's two paths to NHL playing time are an injury or incredibly poor play by one of those six.

Or, of course, a trade. But that's a remote possibility at best.

"For him he just needs to keep the opportunity he gets and make the most of it and continue to get adjusted to the pro game," coach Jeremy Colliton said. "He can't control the numbers.

"We're three games into the preseason and we've got some more evaluating to do. I have been pleased with his games. He's showed well."

We talk a lot about Boqvist's offensive prowess, but he also insists his play in the defensive zone has improved as well. He's not as soft in the corners. He reads plays better. And he's much more adept at poking pucks away from attacking forwards.

"I think the coaches can trust me a little bit more," he said.

For now, Boqvist is doing everything possible to observe and take advice from players like Keith. He chuckled Thursday when reminded he was 2 years old as Keith took part in his first training camp 17 years ago.

As for that move around Detroit's Chris Terry? Boqvist at first planned on simply firing a shot off his forehand, but quickly realized that wasn't going to work.

So he improvised and just missed scoring a goal that would have hit every highlight show in the country. 1153404 Colorado Avalanche

Valeri Nichushkin looks to rejuvenate his NHL career with Avalanche

By MIKE CHAMBERS PUBLISHED: September 19, 2019 at 8:15 pm | UPDATED: September 19, 2019 at 9:47 PM

Editorial: Fisher’s Peak acquisition is a big win for Colorado. Now get ready to explore.

Big-bodied Russian winger Valeri Nichushkin is getting another NHL chance, and it began in earnest Thursday against the team that gave up on him over the summer.

Nichushkin, who was signed by the Avalanche last month to a modest one-year, $850,000 contract, was bought out of the last year of his $2.95 million annual deal with the Dallas Stars on June 29.

The Avs hosted the Stars in a preseason game Thursday at the Pepsi Center, marking Nichushkin’s debut in burgundy and blue. Listed at just 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, Nichushkin, 24, looked like a giant while playing left wing on a line with center Nazem Kadri and Joonas Donskoi.

“It’s an opportunity, you know?” Nichushkin said before the game in which Dallas prevailed 2-1 despite being outshot 47-23. “Good chance for me, to get back in NHL.”

Nichushkin was selected by the Stars No. 10 overall at the 2013 draft — just nine spots after the Avs chose Nathan MacKinnon at No. 1. As an 18-year-old in 2013-14, Nichushkin put together a solid NHL rookie season, with 14 goals and 34 points in 79 games.

But he tailed off from there and was limited to just eight games with the Stars in 2014-15 because of hip surgery. He produced just nine goals in 2015-16 while again playing 79 games, and after coming out of his three- year entry-level contract, he chose to return to Russia and the Kontinental Hockey League, where he played two seasons for CSKA Moscow from 2016-18.

As an NHL restricted free agent in 2018, he resigned with the Stars but had a highly ineffective season — with zero goals and zero penalty minutes in 57 games. His 10 assists provided the only proof on paper that he even played with the club.

All signs pointed for him to return to the KHL until the Avs inquired and signed him Aug. 19.

“I don’t think about this,” Nichushkin said of returning to the KHL. “I’m more positive. I want it to be a great season for me, our team, here in the NHL.”

Nichushkin looks like he’s 6-6 and 240 pounds on skates. He offers what Colorado needs — more size and physicality up front.

“That’s what I talked (about) with Joe (Sakic),” he said of the Avs’ general manager. “I hope to bring more power to this team, more physical, (with size).”

Footnotes. Unlike Tuesday’s preseason opener, a 5-0 loss to the visiting Vegas Golden Knights, the Avs used a talent-laden veteran lineup Thursday. MacKinnon skated between wingers Gabe Landeskog and Andre Burakovsky on the first line. The other lines featured J.T. Compher between Matt Nieto and rookie Martin Kaut, and wingers Matt Calvert and rookie Logan O’Connor with center Pierre-Edouard Bellemare. Bellemare scored the game’s first goal and the Avs took a 1-0 lead into the third period. .. The blue line was equally as stacked and No. 1 goalie Philipp Grubauer started and played the entire game. Bright young defensemen and Sam Girard were the top pairing. The other pairs were Mark Barberio and Calle Rosen and Mark Alt with rookie Bo Byram.

Denver Post: LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153405 Colorado Avalanche

Mikko Rantanen, Avalanche “not close” in contract negotiations, agent says

“I’ll come to Finland after that. Let’s hope the deal goes ahead,” Rantanen said of his immediate plans while his agents negotiate a contract with the Avs

By MIKE CHAMBERS | PUBLISHED: September 19, 2019 at 3:52 pm | UPDATED: September 19, 2019 at 5:38 PM

Editorial: Fisher’s Peak acquisition is a big win for Colorado. Now get ready to explore.

The agent for unsigned Avalanche star Mikko Rantanen told a Canadian radio station that “we’re not close” in contract negotiations with the franchise.

Rantanen remains out of the country, according to an interview with Europe’s MTV Sports on Wednesday, and is training in Bern, Switzerland. The European report said the 22-year-old was in Norway last week and flew to Bern to meet fellow Finish restricted free agent Patrik Laine of the Winnipeg Jets.

“It’s where you get the best workout,” Rantanen told MTV Sports about SC Bern, the top team in the Swiss National League. “I’ll come to Finland after that. Let’s hope the deal goes ahead.”

He added: “This is the first time I’m not in camp. But you have to live with it. So far, I have adapted pretty well.”

In Canada, Sportsnet 650 spoke to Rantanen’s agent, Mike Liut, who also represents Laine.

“I’ll give you an update: We’re not close (in contract negotiations), how about that?,” Liut said on the radio show. “They are high-profile guys. There’s a guy in Calgary (Matthew Tkachuk) and a guy in Tampa (Brayden Point) I think are pretty high-profile as well. There is nothing that’s happened that we didn’t know was going to happen, and nothing has gone on that we didn’t anticipate. There’s term, there’s AAV, there’s structure, and clubs have to manage their cap. We have to represent our clients. We have our convictions, they have theirs. Generally, these things get done when people move.”

Liut said the NHL is now a 20-something league and restricted free agents coming out of their entry-level deals want to be paid like unrestricted free agents in their late 20s.

“When I played you made more money at the end of the career than you did in the prime of your career. Just the way it was. Now players are making their money when they can perform and when they get to 30ish they start to fall off the wagon, and injury, a down year and their value drops significantly,” Liut said in the radio interview.

Denver Post: LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153406 Colorado Avalanche

Colorado Avalanche tops ESPN’s future power rankings

By JOE NGUYEN September 19, 2019 at 6:00 am

The Avalanche is listed as the top team over the next three seasons in ESPN’s NHL future power rankings, which ranks each franchise’s roster, prospects, contracts and management.

Colorado received an overall score of 87.8 — edging out Tampa Bay (87.7) — and earned high marks in all four criteria, especially prospects (second) and contracts (second).

From ESPN’s Emily Kaplan: “Everyone in the NHL is talking about the Avalanche these days. They are loaded enough to win now, and their best players are young and cheap; case in point is Nathan MacKinnon, a top-three player in the league, playing on a ridiculous bargain at $6.3 million through 2023. Eventually, these guys will need new contracts, and that will test GM Joe Sakic’s discipline.”

In terms of cornerstone prospects, ESPN places high regard on young defensemen Cale Makar and : “Could this be the top pairing of the future for Colorado? If it is, that’s going to be a great benefit to the team’s forwards — and of great detriment to the rest of the Central Division.”

Rounding out the top five, include No. 3 Vegas, No. 4 Boston and No. 5 New York Rangers.

If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, tell a friend it’s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter @joenguyen or by email.

— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post

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What’s on Tap?

Avalanche preseason: Dallas Stars, 7 p.m. Thursday, ALT | Buy tickets

Air Force football: At Boise State, 7 p.m. Friday, ESPN2 | Buy tickets

Rockies: At Los Angeles Dodgers, 8:10 p.m. Friday, ATTRM | Buy tickets

Denver Post: LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153407 Colorado Avalanche Rosen wasn’t getting too moved either direction about his play, recognizing it was just the first time he had seen the ice.

“It’s always hard to find timing the first few games,” he said. I’ll just keep Calle Rosen’s push for a job on Colorado’s defense has begun working and it was the first game for everyone here. Just give us a few more practices and games and we’ll be fine.”

What will help push Rosen forward in this battle for playing time? BY AJ HAEFELE SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 “You have to use everything,” he said. “All the defensive details need to be better and can’t have any shifts off and that’s something we all need to think about especially as the regular season is starting to close in.” Getting traded is a weird experience. There might be two weeks until opening night but there are only four Players always describe it as a whirlwind, one that includes upheaval of games remaining on Colorado’s preseason schedule. If Rosen is going to your daily life and where you call home. win a job, his play is going to need to take a permanent step forward in For Calle Rosen, the shock came in the middle of the night, a three AM the limited appearances he has remaining. phone call that woke him from slumber and kept him awake the rest of TAKEAWAYS the night. Bednar mentioned postgame that he liked Byram’s game and felt him Colorado? The Avalanche? getting better. I disagree there and feel he’s just too raw. There are little “It was a lot of Googling the first day,” Rosen said. “‘Where is Denver in flashes of brilliance but I’m settling on the idea that he would be best the US?’ I didn’t know a lot but I heard a lot of things from agents and served to return to the WHL for one last season. It’s still early enough, I people around it’s a nice place and a good group of guys. So far, suppose, but he needs to flash in these final preseason games. everything is true.” Barberio was a roller coaster tonight. I liked his aggression offensively as One thing Rosen knew for sure when he arrived in Denver was he had he had eight shot attempts, five on goal. That was great. His defensive his work cut out for him. Between familiar faces (Mark Barberio and Ryan game was a bit messier and more reminiscent of the uneven player who Graves), highly-drafted faces (Bowen Byram), and fellow trade struggled to find a regular NHL role before coming to Colorado. acquisition Kevin Connauton, the competition for Rosen to make the The instant chemistry between Matt Calvert and Pierre-Edouard Avalanche roster was going to be intense. Bellemare is what you dream of when you sign a UFA. They have clicked Not a problem. right away and both looked great at even strength and together on the penalty kill. “I’ve been in the same situation the last two years in Toronto,” Rosen said. “It’s fun with competition. It’s hard and it really forces you to be You could make the same case for Joonas Donskoi and Nazem Kadri, focused and do your best every day.” who should have recorded multiple points tonight. Donskoi, especially, jumped off the ice with his skill. Those days gave way to today, the first game in which Rosen was set to play for the Avalanche. It was obvious how much more comfortable he The play of the Girard-Makar pairing tonight is what Avs fans should has gotten just in the last week of being in Denver. expect for this upcoming season. There were some great highlights such as Girard dusting Tye Felhaber in the corner and Makar’s shorthanded “I feel good,” Rosen said smiling. “For sure I know a whole lot more know breakaway. There were also some moments where they looked now how everything works around here so I’m real excited.” overwhelmed in their own zone as they lost board battles for puck possession and watched them get it cycled on them a bit. “Excited” is the word Rosen used the most in training camp, before the game today, and after his Avalanche debut. For him, it’s all about the Bednar said postgame it was Martin Kaut’s best game as an Av and it’s opportunity. easy to agree. He was significantly better than two nights ago and the version of Kaut tonight could play in the NHL right now. If he finds that “I’m just excited to get the chance,” Rosen said. “Just keep working every level consistently, Colorado won’t be able to keep him in the AHL all day, do the same thing that I’ve been doing the last two years. That’s season, despite all the economic reasons to do so. fight It’s for my spot in the lineup and play my game. That’s all I can do. Whatever the lineup is doesn’t matter. It’s up to me. Andre Burakovsky should be chomping at the bit to get another shot. His first look on Colorado’s top line was pretty underwhelming overall. He Rosen had spent his training camp next to Bowen Byram, raising the certainly has more to give as a player but isn’t that what Washington said possibility the two play together in the NHL at some point. Seeing Byram all those years, too? up close has given Rosen an appreciation for how talented the teenager is and finds his love of the game infectious. Preseason results are way less important than their process and Colorado outshooting Dallas 47-23 is the kind of lopsided process you “It’s a lot of fun to see all the small things he does,” Rosen said. “For were expecting given Colorado’s veteran-laden roster against a weak being that young…I played with a lot of young guys last year in Toronto, Dallas lineup. The score was frustrating but that’s sports for you. just to see those guy’s commitment to everything and how they want to be better and the fun they have every time they come to the rink. It’s a lot Colorado finished 0/4 on the PP. Going back to the second game of the of fun to see Byram here.” Anaheim Rookie Faceoff, the Avs are now 0/28 in their last four games. It’s still preseason but that’s something that requires further monitoring. Rosen got into his first game tonight in Colorado’s 2-1 loss to the Dallas Stars. He logged 17:03 of ice time, including 2:53 on the penalty kill, and BSN DENVER LOADED: 09.20.2019 overall looked like he belonged.

Head coach Jared Bednar was a bigger fan of Rosen’s game than even Rosen, saying “I thought tonight he was pretty good and he fit in nicely with our group.”

Rosen was a bit tougher on his own game.

“Okay,” he said of his own performance. “Some up and downs, usually like the first game is. I think I skated a lot and had some good defensive details in the game today but I wish I could have handled the puck a little bit better.”

After playing with Byram in camp, Rosen found himself next to Barberio tonight. It was a chance to show directly what he can bring the Avalanche versus the veteran Barberio, who was shaky again for the second straight game. 1153408 Columbus Blue Jackets Passing during scrimmages was difficult, to say the least, but coach John Tortorella loved it.

“As a coach, I love it because it’s ‘camp ice,’” he said. “It’s (bad) ice. I Blue Jackets' rookie goalies get first NHL arena experience mean, we destroy it. It’s heavy ice. The scrimmages, you’d like to see it a little cleaner, as far as passing, but you can’t help it. The ice is ruined. I like it because I think it’s good for conditioning. Early in the camp, I actually like the one surface, because I think they have to slog through Brian Hedger The Columbus Dispatch Sep 19, 2019 at 11:24 PM it.”

New twig PITTSBURGH — The education of Elvis Merzlikins and Veini Vehvilainen Defenseman Zach Werenski is shifting to a new brand of stick this continued Thursday night at PPG Paints Arena. season, which he hopes will help improve his one-timers. After the European rookie goaltenders got their first taste of smaller North Werenski’s deal with his previous supplier ran out after last season, so American rinks at training camp and the prospects tournament in he shifted to a new company. His new stick is slightly shorter than his Traverse City, Michigan, each got his first action at an NHL arena in the former one, but it has the same flex number and curve. Blue Jackets’ 4-1 exhibition loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. “It’s a little shorter,” he said. “It makes the stick a little stiffer, so it helps a Merzlikins started and played 29:18, allowing one goal on 18 shots little bit on one-timers.” before Vehvilainen took over for the final 30:42, allowing three goals on 17 shots. Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 09.20.2019 “I think that goal broke the ice,” Merzlikins said of the goal he allowed, which was scored by Alex Galchenyuk in the first period on a power play to put the Penguins ahead 1-0. “I wasn’t that nervous anymore. I let it go and started to play. I just started to play hockey. I didn’t think about my positions, how I had to be perfect on the shot. … I was just with free mind, just enjoying the game and playing, and it went pretty good, I think.”

Merzlikins made several high-caliber saves after allowing the goal, including a sprawling stop with his right skate to stop against Galchenyuk on a 2-on-1 rush early in the second.

Vehvilainen had a tougher night, allowing back-to-back goals 23 seconds apart to Nathan Legare in the third.

“It was fun to play, but I’m not very happy about my own performance,” Vehvilainen said. “It was a good first test, and now I know a little bit about what’s going to work and (can) get used to it.”

Sonny Milano scored the lone goal for the Blue Jackets, which was his second in as many games this preseason. The Jackets (1-1-0) will play the Penguins on Saturday at Nationwide Arena.

Welcome to the NHL

Merzlikins started out starstruck, but settled into the game after allowing the goal.

“You realize that you are in a real NHL stadium,” he said. “It’s a little bit different. I knew that I (was) going to be nervous. That’s human. Then I start feeling better at the end of the first period and the second half that I played, so I’m happy … and I’m sad that we lost.”

He was also amazed at Evgeni Malkin’s saucer pass to Galchenyuk on the 2-on-1 rush save.

“Never saw a saucer pass like this in my life, to be honest,” Merzlikins said. “I never saw (one) that perfect, so it surprised me, but that save gave me more confidence to finish my time (in net).”

Office view

Emil Bemstrom’s first goal in a Blue Jackets uniform happened less than a minute into the Jackets’ 4-1 win Tuesday over the Buffalo Sabres at Nationwide Arena. It capped a power play and the shot was a one-timer from the face-off dot in the left-wing circle.

That real estate, of course, is known throughout the NHL as the “office” of Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin. Asked if he, too, prefers that spot on the power play, Bemstrom — who led the with 23 goals as a rookie last season — smiled.

“Yeah,” he said, “that’s my office.”

Slogging along

The Jackets are back to using both their practice sheet and the main rink, after training camp started last week with just the practice rink at the Ice Haus.

As a multi-day event was held on the main rink, all skate testing, practices and scrimmages were at the Ice Haus, which left the ice surface chewed up and marred with ruts after 58 players got done with it. 1153409 Columbus Blue Jackets

Michael Arace | NHL keeps labor peace; fans finally win out

Michael Arace Sep 19, 2019 at 5:30 AM

There are three teams on the scoreboard of sports labor negotiations: the billionaire owners, the millionaire players and the poor-slob fans.

The owners always make out. The players are in an era in which they get their fair share, or something close to it. The fans foot the bill and get suckered.

Maybe this next round of NHL collective bargaining will not be so morally bereft. Indications of potential labor peace surfaced before Sept. 1, when commissioner announced that the owners will not opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement. Another harmonious note sounded even louder Monday when NHL Players’ Association chief Donald Fehr announced that the players won’t opt out, either.

An opt-out on either side would have meant that the CBA would have to be renegotiated after this season, which would have opened the path to another work stoppage next year. As it is, the present CBA will run its course until it expires in September 2022. There is even talk that it will be extended through 2024-25. Peace in our time!

This is extraordinary news. Remember who we’re talking about here. Bettman has orchestrated three lockouts, including the one in 2004-05 that scuttled an entire season. Folks in Columbus might recall how a young, struggling Jackets franchise was kicked in its knees, and how a generation of fans was compromised.

Fehr, the union executive director, was on the other side of the table during the most recent hockey lockout, in 2012-13, when a half-season was lost. Previously, during his tenure as director of the Major League Players Association, Fehr was part of two strikes — including the 1994-95 strike that wiped out a World Series.

There will come a time when Bettman will be remembered for how he expanded the league and greatly expanded its revenues, and Fehr will be hailed as the greatest labor leader in sports history. But let us not forget whose crotches they stepped on to reach such a lofty status; fans have taken more for the team than anyone in a suit or a uniform.

Bettman worked for two decades to get a salary cap, and at this point, he should be more amenable to players’ needs. Fehr is in a position where the players’ current issues, while legitimate, are not big enough to threaten what is a fairly equitable status quo.

The owners and players split “hockey-related revenues” down the middle. The players have some quibbles about what constitutes hockey-related revenues. They have a fair complaint about the escrow payments they make, ostensibly to balance the league’s books. They want to talk about more inclusion in international events, better health benefits and an increase in the league’s contribution to the players’ pension plan. Among other things.

Bettman is 67, Fehr 71, and they’ve been throwing steel filing cabinets around for a long time. This CBA could be their last bit of historical paperwork, left on top of a pile. Maybe they’re thinking about legacy … nah. They’re thinking about the next U.S. media-rights deal, to be negotiated prior to the 2021-22 season; it will dwarf the current 10-year, $2 billion deal with NBC. (Ten years, $15 billion has a certain ring to it.)

“Hockey-related revenues” are on the verge of a major growth spurt. It behooves both management and labor to introduce an era of labor peace when the TV bidding gets underway. NBC, ESPN+ and whoever else throws in, they’re not going to pay a premium for a lockout. That’d be bad television and terrible streaming, and it’d cause a crash in the fantasy market.

Peace in our time — given the involved parties, it’s almost impossible for fans to imagine. But here it is.

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153410 Columbus Blue Jackets game, but each had impressive moments in the prospect tournament. … Free agent Egor Sokolov stuck around after notching an assist on Dalpe’s empty-netter against Buffalo. After co-leading the prospect team with four goals in Traverse City, the 19-year old power forward has Blue Jackets prospect Liam Foudy injured, will miss 4-6 weeks continued to draw attention in camp. He is still draft-eligible, but the Blue Jackets could sign him to an entry-level contract if they want. If so, they

probably would send him back to Cape Breton for his third season in the Brian Hedger The Columbus Dispatch Sep 19, 2019 at 5:30 AM Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 09.20.2019

Liam Foudy’s training camp is over before it started.

Foudy, a 19-year old forward whom the Blue Jackets selected 18th overall in 2018, has returned to London, Ontario, to rehab an upper-body injury suffered earlier this month at the NHL prospects tournament in Traverse City, Michigan. He will be out four to six weeks and will return to Columbus for medical clearance before returning to the for his fourth season in the Ontario Hockey League.

“Injuries are always disappointing, and (especially) with the timing of it,” Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. “When it happens to a young kid like this in the middle of a training camp and you’re going to miss all the exhibition games, it’s unfortunate. But that’s life, and that’s why most of the kids go back two years in junior" after the draft.

Foudy is one of the Jackets’ top prospects, along with forwards Alexandre Texier and Emil Bemstrom. His biggest asset is speed, which he flashed a year ago at Traverse City and in his first NHL training camp. His speed didn’t stand out as much in this year's prospect tournament, and Foudy didn’t get a chance to show it in camp.

Although Foudy’s return to the OHL is disappointing, Kekalainen doesn’t view it as a setback. Foudy is still too young to play a full season in the American Hockey League, so it was either the NHL or London anyway.

“We sent Alex Pietrangelo down twice (with the St. Louis Blues), and he’s OK,” Kekalainen said, referring to the champion Blues’ captain. “The only way that (Foudy) could stay here is to play in the NHL, and that’s not going to happen now.”

Foudy had a breakout season for London in 2018-19, finishing with 36 goals and 32 assists. He also had six goals and six assists in 11 playoff games and added two more goals in the American Hockey League's Calder Cup Playoffs while on a tryout contract with the Cleveland Monsters.

Foudy's next stage of progress, according to Kekalainen, is to continue to add strength to his 6-foot, 174-pound frame.

“Junior players, when they’re light and not at their full strength against men, they’re usually easier to separate from the puck,” Kekalainen said. “He’s good with the puck and an offensive threat, and he has to hold onto the puck and make plays against NHL defensemen who are strong. … He's got to be stronger to stay up there.”

Double duty

The Blue Jackets released their roster for the second game of the preseason Thursday in Pittsburgh. Six players who skated in a 4-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday will play again.

Forwards Kevin Stenlund, Brandon Dubinsky, Sonny Milano, Zac Dalpe and Bemstrom and defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov will playin a second straight game, with Bemstrom, Gavrikov and Milano the most notable names on that list.

Bemstrom, who missed the prospect tournament, had a goal and an assist Tuesday. Milano also scored, and Gavrikov is getting a close look because of his extensive international experience and the Jackets’ depth along the blue line.

Gavrikov played in two games in the Jackets' playoff series against Boston, making a good impression, but he does not have to clear waivers to be assigned to Cleveland. That’s significant because others on the blue-line bubble — including Scott Harrington, Dean Kukan and Adam Clendening — would need to clear waivers, which would expose them to the rest of the league.

One-timers

The OHL begins play Thursday, so the Blue Jackets returned center Tyler Angle to the Windsor Spitfires and defenseman Eric Hjorth to the Sarnia Sting. Neither of the 2019 draft picks got into the first exhibition 1153411 Dallas Stars two weeks, and he might not play in any preseason games. When asked if he would be ready for opening night, Perry said yes, but maybe the Stars would be hesitant to throw Perry immediately to the top six in his first game action in a Dallas uniform. Breaking down the candidates for a top-six role with the Stars at forward Add in that Perry is coming off the worst season of his career (six goals Dallas has a vacancy at forward, but which name will fill it? and four assists in 31 games), is a year removed from knee surgery and his contributions this season are a mystery. At the very least, Perry can

be a power play specialist and another veteran voice in the dressing By Matthew DeFranks 11:34 PM on Sep 19, 2019 room.

Jason Dickinson

FRISCO -- In a way, the Stars find themselves in a similar position as five Why he will: Dickinson's already done it. Last year in the playoffs, months ago. Dickinson was the choice to fill out the top-six group and responded with three goals and two assists in 13 postseason games. Playing mostly on As the Stars entered the postseason in April, they were searching for a the opposite wing of Mats Zuccarello, Dickinson was pivotal in helping sixth forward to fill out their top two lines. One of the best lines in hockey the Stars beat Nashville in Game 5 and finished the playoffs fourth on the (Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin and Alexander Radulov) was bolstered by the team in both expected goals and scoring chances at 5-on-5, according to rise of Roope Hintz and the acquisition of Mats Zuccarello. But there was Natural Stat Trick. that one spot available. Montgomery likes what Dickinson brings to the ice (skating, defensive Now in the preseason, Dallas has to figure out that puzzle again. dependability) and he's a player that can be a complementary piece on a Zuccarello is gone, but Joe Pavelski is in. That spot is back on the No. 1 or 2 line. market, let's take a look at who could fill it for the Stars, including reasons why they will or won't. Why he won't: His offensive ceiling is limited and he could be better used on the fourth line instead. Dickinson doesn't play on the power play, Denis Gurianov which gives you an idea how the Stars feel about his offensive ability. Plus, Dickinson centering the fourth line allows Montgomery another Why he will: It's his spot to lose. Gurianov is clearly being afforded an center that can match up well enough with top centers should he draw opportunity the other candidates aren't by playing with skilled linemates those assignments on the road. in nearly every practice. The Stars have had seven days of practice so far, and Gurianov has been on a line with Pavelski four times, Hintz twice As far as other candidates go, Joel Kiviranta was never a goal-scorer in and Justin Dowling once. No other top-six hopeful has been given a Finland before signing with the Stars (0.44 points per game in ) and week with that kind of talent outside the obvious players like Seguin, when asked if Kiviranta profiled as a top-six forward, Montgomery flatly Benn and Radulov. said no. Jason Robertson hasn't been noticeable in preseason, and Mattias Janmark has work to do if he wants another shot at a top-six job. During Thursday afternoon's scrimmage in Frisco, he was part of a top- six group that looked like this: Dallas Morning News LOADED: 09.20.2019 Benn-Seguin-Pavelski

Gurianov-Hintz-Radulov

Stars coach Jim Montgomery said he's noticed a more confident Gurianov while playing with more talented players.

"He's [got] the same skillset and power," Montgomery said. "The ability is there, now it's got to transfer into the games. We're excited about what he can add to our lineup on a nightly basis."

Gurianov had a strong training camp last year and followed it up with his best season since coming to North America, with 48 points in 57 games in the AHL. His speed is top-end and he carries a first-round pedigree. It doesn't hurt that Roope Hintz showed last season that young speedy players can blossom in Dallas.

Why he won't: When Gurianov isn't scoring, he's not doing much else. That was the criticism of him last year by the Stars coaching staff, when he played 21 games, but only scored one goal. (And that goal was a fluky one where a point shot bounced off his knee.) In the defensive zone, Gurianov isn't active. He doesn't kill penalties.

In the preseason so far, Gurianov has had moments, setting up teammates for chances against St. Louis or speeding through the neutral zone in Minnesota, but still has little to show for it. In 20 minutes of 5-on- 5 play this preseason, Gurianov has two shot attempts and one shot on goal.

The Stars need more out of Gurianov to trust him with a top-six position, and perhaps maybe that production comes when the top-six talent finally plays in an exhibition game.

Corey Perry

Why he will: He is one of the most prolific goal-scorers of this era. When general manager Jim Nill signed Perry in the offseason, he pointed to Perry's past as a Rocket Richard winner as a reason for hopeful optimism entering this season. Maybe Perry's season last year was a one-off because of knee surgery that robbed him of the first four months, and he's able to be another legitimate scoring option for the Stars.

Why he won't: Perry still hasn't skated with the Stars during preseason after fracturing his foot two days before training camp was supposed to start. He's now one week into an absence that Nill said would last at least 1153412 Dallas Stars stays with me right now. As a goalie, you don’t want to have more goals in the net.

Growing up in Kazakhstan and later Russia, was it always your goal to Inside the Stars crease: Anton Khudobin on hockey in Houston, ATVs in play in the NHL? Siberia and fun It’s every kid’s dream, right? So when I was a kid I was dreaming about it (the NHL) and my father was taping the video of the games at night time and I was watching after school. Of course I wanted to play NHL. I would By Sean Shapiro Sep 19, 2019 say it’s 99-percent of dreams for the kids.

When was that dream starting to look like a reality for you?

It’s a big year for the Dallas Stars in the goaltending department. When I got drafted. Me and (Alexander Radulov) were on the same team, and it was World Juniors Under-18. Our coach before the finals The NHL tandem is coming off career seasons; Ben Bishop probably said, ‘This is your chance guys. If you’re gonna win this tournament you should have won the 2019 Vezina Trophy and Anton Khudobin may be are gonna get drafted. That’s how you become good players.’ So we win the NHL’s best backup. On top of that, the future in the crease will be the championship and then I got drafted. Then I went to junior, Canadian greatly shaped during the 2019-20 season as Jake Oettinger, Landon junior, WHL, and I figured at the start it was rough because it was Bow and Colton Point jockey for the top spot as Bishop’s heir apparent in different hockey and everything. But when I played the whole season (in the organization. the WHL) I figured it out, I wanted to stay here. I want to learn and learn Progress in the crease will greatly determine the present and the future this hockey and get to the NHL. for the Stars, which is why the five NHL-contracted goaltenders were You’ve also spent quite a bit of time in Texas during your career. You’re among the most-watched players this past weekend at NHL training one of the few players that’s played for franchises in the ECHL, AHL, and camp. NHL in this state. Is it that a neat thing to think about? With that in mind, I wanted — to steal a cliche — to better know the men What is neat? behind the mask. Over the course of this week, we’ll be running the five conversations in order of pro experience, from Jake Oettinger today to Cool, like a cool fact. Ben Bishop on Friday. Trust me, it’s not a really cool fact if you are playing in the three leagues. The conversations have two things in common: all the subjects are I don’t think it’s a cool fact, but it is what it is. I’ve been in the ECHL, AHL goalies and each interview starts with the same question, “Was there and NHL, but I would have liked to just be in the NHL the whole time. ever a time you weren’t going to become a goalie?” What do you remember about your time in Houston? Up next in the series is Anton Khudobin, the Stars NHL backup who is coming off a season year where he posted career-best numbers in Weather and the ice surface wasn’t as good when we traveled games played and shutouts. Khudobin and I sat down for our somewhere else. But it’s a great city, a big city. We had a practice facility conversation earlier this week after he completed a post-practice workout around 25 miles away too, we stayed in that area. Every guy stayed in at the Stars facilities in Frisco. that area and we would just travel in the morning game rink for pre-game skate and travel back for the game. This interview has been edited for context and clarity. Houston keeps coming up as a potential NHL city at some point. Do you Was there ever a time you weren’t going to become a goalie? think it would work there?

Yeah. Look, I started as a defenseman from seven to 10 (years old) and I I think it would be great. I think it will fit. They have Toyota Center, is it kind of like try to catch the puck and block the shot or whatever. That’s still called Toyota Center? It’s a pretty good rink, it’s an NBA rink. something I liked better than running around. One time, maybe twice, we Houston is a great city to live in, too. played against another team and puck hit me and went in our own net. On the bench, Coach came to me and said, ‘Maybe do you want to be a You live in Siberia during the summer. It’s probably a bit shocking to the goalie?’ I took that as a serious question and after one weekend I was in system to go from that weather to the heat in Texas like you did when goal. you flew into Dallas last week.

Talking to the younger goalies in the system, some had specific goalie You get used to it. I got used to it in Houston. I mean we have four coaches earlier than others. How did you learn the position and did you seasons in Russia — summer, autumn, spring, and winter — you have, have a goalie coach? like, two seasons in Texas. But I’m not catching that winter (in Siberia), I’m pretty much catching summer all the time. Getting here, yeah, it’s hot No. That was a different time, I didn’t have a goalie coach until probably I weather. Let’s say you go out to a restaurant and you have a lunch or was 15. The only thing when I became a goalie, my father tried to help whatever and you want to go outside, but you can’t. I mean you can, but me and the goalie coaches for the first team. They were kind of helping it’s going to be really hot, but it’s not like it will kill you. our team with the goalies and stuff like that. But it wasn’t really as much as we working on right now. Siberia gets a bit of a bad rap from Americans, like it’s a desolate place. You’ve told me before it’s a pretty nice place in the summer. But at the same time, you know Evgeni Nabokov? We are both from the same city in Kazakhstan, both born there. He came back, I think it was Winter is pretty cool too, it doesn’t get as cold as a lot of people think. It 1999, he gave us two hours off the ice and two hours on the ice of gets cold, don’t get me wrong, but in the winter you can find lots of things exercises, drills. Pretty much that I copied. Growing up I watched a DVD, to do like skiing or snowboarding or snowmobiling. Or even fishing; not a DVD, a cassette a video cassette. You know what that is? I just put fishing is big, like, walking around on the ice. it into whatever that machine was that would play it and was watching 20 miles from the city I have a little bungalow. There’s a huge river and that. I was continuing to repeat it and repeat over what I saw. you can take a walk or whatever. Still a good place to visit in the winter. When you made the switch from defenseman, were you pretty good at Do you enjoy living close to nature like that? stopping the puck? I love nature. I love taking my ATV out all over the place. Even this I don’t know, that’s not a question for me. I was 13 and I was pretty much summer, I was sitting with my parents at home and my buddy texted me. doing everything I possibly could, working hard and trying to be a better He was like, ‘What are you doing?’ and I said just ‘Nothing, chilling at goalie and try to learn stuff like that. The only thing with me was that home.’ He said, ‘Let’s go have a barbecue, like a wild barbecue.’ everyone noticed that I’m always working hard all the time. Try to work everything more and more and more. So we went out to the woods with the ATVS and made a fire like that. We bought sausages and got a couple of beers. So we went literally a 10- Where did that work ethic come from? minute ride from my house into the woods and had a couple beers and I just didn’t want to lose the battle or whatever. Never lose the battle. I made the sausages and came back. I love to stay outside of the city and didn’t want to get scored on, right? So it was just normal. Pretty much take an ATV or go and find some cool rides on it. Are there other pro players who live nearby that you can train with?

Alex Semin, he used to play there, he’s from the city nearby. There’s another NHL player who played a long time ago and still lives there, he shows up sometimes to the rink.

You also skate out as a forward quite a bit in the summer if I recall correctly.

I do, yeah. My friend’s son, he’s eight years old, so I played hockey with them (he and his friends) as just a player (non-goalie). Having fun and stuff like that, it’s cool for them to see the NHL player playing for them and they’re having fun, I’m having fun, at the same time it kind of keeps you in the rhythm.

Fun is a big part of this job for you, isn’t it?

Yeah, well, the way I am, yes. At the same time, when things get serious, I realize that and understand that. And then you don’t have just to be giggling around or whatever. You get serious.

It’s like a flip you can switch?

Yeah. Whenever you have fun — like even at the end of this practice today, we played rebound game and had fun with the guys. But before that, literally two minutes before that, I worked on my shots. So I asked (Radek) Faksa to shoot on me, then (Tyler Seguin) came and said, ‘You want to play rebound?’ And I was like yeah, let’s just do it right after I finished. So I finished my goalie routine and then we just have fun.

The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153413 Detroit Red Wings me out of place from a speed or a size standpoint, so I think that was a positive start.

“There’s lot of little things that he needs to continue to learn, but for Red Wings didn't think Taro Hirose looked like a player. He proved them exhibition one, I thought he played a solid game.” wrong Larkin update: Larkin practiced for the first time since breaking camp in Traverse City. He’s dealing with nagging heel pain that began before camp. “It came up during training, running, and I’m trying to get it settled Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press Published 3:50 p.m. ET Sept. 19, down,” he said. “It was fine for a couple weeks before and then it started 2019 | Updated 6:46 p.m. ET Sept. 19, 2019 again with an off-ice workout we had.

“It’s not an injury that’s going to hold me back. If it were the regular season, I’d be playing.” Taro Hirose made an impression right away, even before he played in his first game for the Detroit Red Wings. Blashill had been holding out Anthony Mantha, waiting for linemates Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi (also nursing an injury), but plans to play him He’s in his first camp with the team since signing as a free agent in Friday against the New York Islanders, even though it'll have to be on a March, and as he did late last season, he’s finding ways to make himself different line. noticed. Hirose has a goal and an assist after two exhibition games, picking up where he left off last season when he chipped in seven points Detroit Free Press LOADED: 09.20.2019 in his first 10 NHL games. He joined the Wings after three years at Michigan State, and quickly made a case he belonged.

“Every time he gets the puck, he is trying to make plays,” Dylan Larkin said Thursday. “It’s good to see. He’s crafty, he’s smart. He thinks a step ahead of the game.

“When he came in, we didn’t tell him about it, but he didn’t really look like a hockey player. It really looked like he’d never touched a weight in his life. Not saying that he wasn’t strong, but he put some time in the gym this summer, he was here working out and he looks fit and he looks great. He looks a little bit quicker out there and it just helps him move around the ice and find lanes, which he’s so good at using his brains to do.”

Red Wings left wing Taro Hirose and center Dylan Larkin celebrate after defeating the Bruins at Little Caesars Arena, March 31, 2019.

Hirose debuted in March on a line with and and clicked immediately with the two veterans (it was Vanek who gave Hirose the nickname "Taco."). Vanek’s hockey IQ creates scoring chances lost on linemates with lesser smarts, but Hirose is a shifty player himself.

“Vannie is on a different level than everyone, but (Hirose) does have great hockey sense,” Larkin said. “He knows how to find lanes. He’s undersized but he still produces and when you’re playing with him, you better have your stick on the ice and ready for the puck.”

Hirose scored in Wednesday’s 2-1 loss at Chicago when he redirected ’s shot after it hit a Blackhawks player. Hirose assisted on the winning goal in Tuesday's 5-3 victory (earning a day off Thursday).

“I thought he was one of our few forwards that was able to create some offense,” Wings coach Jeff Blashill said. “We didn’t create much offense. He makes lots of plays and that’s what he has to do. He has to make plays without giving much up.

“I think he gets exponentially better with better players, because he has such a good hockey mind. It’ll be great to keep watching.”

Red Wings' Taro Hirose collides with Blackhawks' Dennis Gilbert during the first period Wednesday.

Hirose, 23, is making a case for playing wing on the second or third line. Blashill said he’ll audition him with different combinations to find the best fit. Nielsen and Valtteri Filppula are both defensively sound centers, and Andreas Athanasiou could be an option (he and Hirose also played together last season), while newcomer Adam Erne will retrieve pucks and go to the net. Blashill plans to play Hirose in as many as five more exhibition games.

“He’s earned the right, first, to be in the conversation of making the team,” Blashill said. “That’s the first step. Two, he’s earned the right to be in the conversation for the middle six, whether you call it second line or third line. He’s earned the right to be in the conversation to be on one of the two power-play units, but he has to keep earning it.”

Seider sizes up: Defense prospect Moritz Seider did a good job in his debut exhibition game Wednesday, even as he and partner Trevor Daley played against Blackhawks superstars Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. “Dales did a good job of talking to him and helping him out through the process, but I also thought Moritz did a good job,” Blashill said. “He’s a pretty big strong guy for his age. He’s 18 years old but he didn’t look to 1153414 Detroit Red Wings “Greener was solid,” Blashill said. “I talked to him on the ice today and he said he felt pretty comfortable. I like where he’s at.”

Seider’s challenge Red Wings' Dylan Larkin not worried about 'nagging' foot injury, hopes to Defenseman Moritz Seider played his first exhibition game Wednesday, play soon getting 23:19 of ice time, mostly against the Blackhawks’ top lines.

“It was a tough challenge,” Blashill said. “Obviously they had a pretty Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News Published 12:11 p.m. ET Sept. 19, 2019 | good lineup certainly with (Jonathan) Toews and (Patrick) Kane, two of Updated 4:44 p.m. ET Sept. 19, 2019 the best players in the world.

“He was out there enough times against that group and he did a good job. Dales (Trevor Daley) did a good job of talking to him and helping Detroit – Dylan Larkin is adamant he’s going to be ready to play soon, through the process.” but exactly when remains uncertain. Seider was a presence physically, something that has been consistent Larkin skated briefly Thursday during one of the Red Wings’ split since the start of the prospects tournament earlier this month. practices, but when he’ll make his first appearance in a preseason game is unclear. “He’s a pretty big, strong guy for his age,” Blashill said. “He’s 18 but he didn’t look to me out of place physically, or from a speed or size “I’m not sure,” said Larkin, when asked if he’ll play in one of the two standpoint. games this weekend. “I feel good on the ice, just taking it easy, I guess, resting up and I hope to play soon.” “It was a positive start. There’s lots of little things that he can continue to learn. Let’s continue to watch and see how he does.” Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin, shown here during training camp last week in Traverse City, says he's had a "nagging" foot injury on and off ‘He makes plays’ this offseason, but says he isn't worried about missing too much time. Taro Hirose came into this training camp and preseason with a bit of an Larkin called it a “nagging injury” in his foot and heel. advantage on others attempting to win a roster spot because of Hirose’s impressive stint with the Wings in March after signing out of Michigan “We’re just trying to figure it out. It’s something that came up during State. training (over the summer), running. Hirose continued to make an impact in his exhibition debut Wednesday, “I skated today and it felt good. We’ll see what tomorrow feels like.” scoring the Wings’ lone goal, on a first-period power play.

The Wings host the New York Islanders on Friday and Pittsburgh “He was one of our few forwards that was able to create some offense,” Penguins on Sunday. Blashill said. “We weren’t able to create much offense. He makes a lot of plays and that’s what has to do, and not give much up, and he’s done The Wings will be cautious with Larkin, said coach Jeff Blashill. Blashill that.” didn’t think Larkin would be available for either game against the Islanders or Penguins. Islanders at Red Wings

“We’re going to give Larks enough time to make sure that when he Faceoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Little Caesars Arena comes back, there’s no re-aggravation of what I would term a minor injury,” Blashill said. TV/radio: No TV/97.1

The foot felt fine for a couple of weeks, Larkin said, then started to bother Outlook: The Wings begin a stretch of three games in four nights. … him again during an off-ice workout. Coach Jeff Blashill expects many of the Wings who’ve been nursing minor injuries to be in Friday’s lineup. “I’m not worried,” Larkin said of missing too much time. “It’s fine. Just nagging. I’ll be back playing soon. This isn’t an injury that will hold me Detroit News LOADED: 09.20.2019 back.

“If it was the regular season, I’d be playing tomorrow night.”

Larkin wouldn’t speculate as to how many exhibition games, or practices, are ideal for him to get ready for the regular season, but admits he’d like to get on the ice for a game.

Larkin centered a line with Tyler Bertuzzi and Anthony Mantha that dominated over the final month of the season, and will be counted on to maintain that level of production this season.

“You want to get on the ice,” Larkin said. “It’s been a long summer. You need to work some things out (with linemates). I’d say everyone’s first game is pretty ugly, and I don’t want my first game to be against Nashville (Oct. 5, regular-season opener), so we’re working on it.

“I don’t think it’ll be a problem. I’ll be all right.”

Green’s debut

Defenseman Mike Green made his exhibition season debut Wednesday in Chicago and played a team-high 23:17.

“There was no easing into it,” Green said. “It took some time to find my timing again and rhythm and flow of the game. But once that came, you settle into it quickly.”

Green played in only 43 games last season due to a virus that sapped his strength.

“It was frustrating,” said Green. “But you just kind of stick with it and do everything you possibly can to get better and healthy. I’m fortunate enough I’m healthy, and I’m lucky.”

Blashill liked what he saw of Green. 1153415 Detroit Red Wings “He’s earned the right first to be in the conversation of making the team, that’s the first step, to make sure you’re here full-time,” Blashill said. “He’s earned the right to be in the conversation to be in the middle six, whether you call it second line or third line. I don’t know that we’ll have a Moritz Seider, Taro Hirose stand out in Red Wings exhibition loss huge distinction between the two of them. He’s earned the right to be in the conversation to be on one of the two power-play units, but he’s got to

keep earning it.” By Ansar Khan Some players returning

Dylan Larkin, Andreas Athanasiou, Tyler Bertuzzi, Darren Helm and DETROIT – It was Moritz Seider’s NHL preseason debut and Mike Oliwer Kaski were among the players dealing with minor injuries who Green’s first game since March 2. Both logged a lot of minutes and skated Thursday morning. Larkin (heel) isn’t ready to play, but Blashill looked good, passing significant steps on Wednesday, Detroit Red Wings said some others will make their preseason debut Friday against the New coach Jeff Blashill said. York Islanders at Little Caesars Arena (7:30, no TV but streamed live on DetroitRedWings.com and available on Fox Sports Go app). Seider logged 23:19 and played in all situations in the 2-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. “We’re going to give Larks enough time to make sure that when he comes back, there’s no re-aggravation of what I would term a minor “I thought Moritz did a good job,” Blashill said. “I thought it was a tough injury,” Blashill said. challenge. They had a pretty good lineup, certainly with (Jonathan) Toews and (Patrick) Kane, that’s two of the best players in the world. He Michigan Live LOADED: 09.20.2019 was out there enough times against that group, and I thought he did a good job. I thought (Trevor Daley, his defense partner) did a good job of talking to him and helping him out through the process. It was a good first game.”

Green said Seider, the defenseman Detroit selected sixth overall this year, has great composure.

“He moves the puck well; he sees the ice well. He kind of has all the tools,” Green said. “Not only that, he’s a really good kid, willing to learn and listen. I think as any older guy and a right-handed defensemen myself, just trying to sort of help the development and growth as much as possible, because he’s going to be a heck of a player.

“The thing about the league now is everybody is looking for young right- handed defensemen. He’s got a great opportunity in front of him.”

The Red Wings also have been pleasantly surprised by the 6-4, 207- pound Seider’s physical play.

“I think he’s a pretty big, strong guy for his age,” Blashill said. “He’s 18 years old but he didn’t look to me out of place physically from a speed or from a size standpoint, so I think that was a positive start. Obviously, there’s lots of little things that he can continue to learn. So, for exhibition one, I thought he played a solid game. Let’s continue to watch and see how he does.”

The Red Wings are expected to start the season with eight defensemen. The top four will be Green, Danny DeKeyser, Patrik Nemeth and Filip Hronek. Jonathan Ericsson and Daley figure to start as the third pair. Madison Bowey, who is not waiver-exempt, might be the seventh defenseman. Oliwer Kaski, who is waiver-exempt, is in the mix.

Seider will only make the NHL roster if he’s playing regularly. Chances are, he’ll start with the , logging heavy minutes in all situations, while he gets accustomed to the smaller North American ice.

Green led all Red Wings in ice time (23:17). He missed the final five weeks of the season due to a recurrence of a virus that sidelined him at the start of the 2018-19 season.

“I thought Greener was solid, I thought he had a good first game coming back after a long time,” Blashill said.

Hirose continues to capitalize

Taro Hirose entered training camp with the inside track for a job over other young forwards based on his strong showing at the end of last season (goal, six assists in 10 games). He has continued to make a strong case, scoring the team’s lone goal Tuesday.

“I thought he was one of our few forwards that was able to create some offense,” Blashill said. “We weren’t able to create much offense. He makes lots of plays and that’s what he has to do, without giving much up, and he’s done that. I think he gets exponentially better with better players because he’s got such a good hockey mind.”

Blashill said Hirose will play six or seven exhibitions.

Right now, it appears Hirose has a good chance to start on the second line, with Valtteri Filppula (or Frans Nielsen) and Andreas Athanasiou. 1153416 Edmonton Oilers It’s safe to say that the race to fill the open roster spots remains wide open.

“There’s competition for jobs, there is competition for playing time, Rough night on the pre-season front for Edmonton Oilers competition to see where you fit in the lineup,” said Tippett. “Nobody has really separated themselves yet.”

FEELING IT Robert Tychkowski James Neal rang one off the crossbar in the first period for what would have been his second goal in as many pre-season games.

The Edmonton Oilers remain a work in progress, and nowhere was that Normally, that wouldn’t mean much, but for a goal scorer trying to more evident than Thursday night’s pre-season game against the recover from an off year, getting the rhythm back is important. Vancouver Canucks. “It’s pre-season and they don’t matter, but internally they do matter,” he It’s only pre-season, far too early for concern, but all of the areas that said. “It goes a long way to feeling good and feeling confident. plagued this team last season — scoring, defence, goaltending and penalty kill — reared their heads again in a 6-1 loss. “After I scored that goal (against Winnipeg on Monday) I settled in and felt like myself again. It was a really good feeling. The work and Again, this time of year is about evaluation and not results, but the crowd everything I did in the summer to get ready for camp is starting to pay in a half-empty Rogers Place certainly didn’t go away feeling very good off.” about things. And neither, one would imagine, did Oilers management. THREE PEAT “You learn a lot about people in games like that,” said head coach Dave Tippett, who has a better sense of who can and can’t help the cause Patrick Russell played in all three pre-season games so far, which going forward. “Tonight was a big evaluation game for a lot of guys. We’ll suggests the coaching staff sees something they like in the 6-foot-1, 207- see where it washes out tomorrow.” pound winger, who put up 18 goals in Bakersfield last year.

The Canucks brought more NHLers to the table than did the Oilers (who “I take it as a positive sign, it gives me another chance to showcase were playing their third game in four nights), but it still wasn’t pretty to myself and improve,” he said, adding it also gives him a chance to gain look at. momentum.

“When you’re in the regular season and you have three games in four “You get more and more into it. You can keep building on what you’ve nights with travel, you need people who can play in those situations,” got going and take it day by day. I want to try and improve every day and said Tippett. “It’s all part of the evaluation. If you want to play in the NHL give myself a shot.” there are no excuses.” GETTING NOTICED The Oilers trailed 2-1 after 20 minutes and 4-1 after 40 minutes on a pair Tomas Jurco, who split last season between Charlotte and Springfield in of power-play goals. Any thoughts of a comeback were dashed on the AHL, has been trying to carve out a niche for himself for years and Vancouver’s goal 1:05 into the third period. hasn’t been able to make it happen. It’s only pre-season, though, and the most important thing to remember He understands the Oilers are giving him a great opportunity here, but he about pre-season is not to take anything that happens in the early going also understands that’s all it is. too seriously. Some players’ stocks dropped, for certain, but other than that it’s best not to read too much into it. It’s what he does with it that’s going to matter.

“It’s a fine line,” said defence man Oscar Klefbom. “If you play a good “The past is in the past,” said the 26-year-old winger, who finished plus pre-season game it’s easy to get too much confidence. And then, on one in the 6-1 loss. “It’s a really important year for me, an important nights like this, even though it’s early in the pre-season you want to get camp. I don’t think people have seen everything I’ve got.” into good routines, to play the right way. Today, I don’t think we played good enough.” He’s good on the forecheck and in puck battles and could perhaps fill a bottom-six role, but that’s up to him. GOOD AND BAD “It’s good to get a chance, but it’s even better to show that you deserve It was an inauspicious start for goalie Mikko Koskinen, who is eager to that chance,” he said. “That’s what I’m trying to do right now, work hard prove he is better than the goalie who limped his way to the finish line and make plays.” with a .906 save percentage last season. Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 09.20.2019 He gave up a goal on the first shot of the game (in his defence, it was through traffic from the point), which could have been a kick in the confidence, but he rebounded strongly, making several deft saves in the minutes that followed, which is a good sign.

Late in the first, though, Jay Beagle beat him glove side high, his Achilles heel last season, which sent a nervous buzz through the building.

Koskinen got zero help from a defence that had more holes than he did, but he let another soft one get by him in the second and also put a clearing attempt into the second deck to give Vancouver one of its three second period power plays.

He finished with four goals against on 23 shots in 40 minutes of work.

“First game,” said Tippett. “I’m sure there are some goals that he would like back, but it’s the first game. He’ll play again Friday.”

SLIGHT DIP

You should expect the offensive production to take a dip without Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl in the lineup, but the goals have been really hard to come by in the first three games of camp.

Edmonton has managed just five on 97 shots, which works out to a shooting percentage just over five. 1153417 Edmonton Oilers The Oilers have four pre-season games remaining on the schedule following their contest against the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday.

The Oilers host the Calgary Flames on Friday before leaving on a three- Russian forward comes to Edmonton Oilers in quest for NHL contract day retreat to Kelowna, B.C., where they have two practice sessions scheduled.

The pre-season concludes by hosting the Arizona Coyotes on Tuesday Derek Van Diest and then travelling to face the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday and Calgary Flames on Saturday. The regular season begins on Oct. 2 against the

Canucks at Rogers Place. Anton Burdasov wants to impress the Edmonton Oilers enough to earn “If I get into a game I will try not to be too nervous, because I know that if an NHL contract, but may have to win the battle against jet lag first. I’m nervous it’ll be hard to show what I can do,” Burdasov said. “So I’ll try Burdasov, 28, had travel issues delaying his arrival in Edmonton from to be OK and will try to do the best I can.” Moscow and is currently trying to get up to speed midway through Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 09.20.2019 training camp.

The product of Chelyabinsk, Russia, who has played his entire career in the KHL, practised with the Oilers for the second time Thursday and may find himself in the lineup as early as Friday against the Calgary Flames.

“I’m excited to be here and to get a chance to try and play with one of the best centres in the league (Connor McDavid),” Burdasov said through his Moscow-based agent Shumi Babaev on Thursday. “I’m going to try and make the most of this opportunity.”

Burdasov, a six-foot-three, 225-pound winger, had 19 goals and 31 points with Salavat Yulaev Ufa in the KHL last season, despite getting inconsistent ice time from his coach Nikolai Tsulygin — a former Anaheim Ducks second-round pick — according to Babaev.

Former Oilers forward Linus Omark led Salavat in scoring last season with 10 goals and 49 points.

“I’ve been thinking of coming to the NHL for a long time,” Burdasov said. “Now I’ve got this chance from such a great team with such a great history and that’s why (I’m) here.”

Burdasov is going to have to impress quickly if he’s going to earn a contract. Babaev said his client is only interested in a one-way deal, but would be willing to go to the AHL to get better accustomed to the North American game if he does sign a one-way deal with the Oilers.

Babaev and Edmonton-based agent Rich Winter were looking to get a contract out Ken Holland sight unseen, but the Oilers general manager would only offer a professional tryout to the KHL veteran.

Oilers head coach Dave Tippett said he was familiar with Russian players coming to North America to try and stick with an NHL club.

“I actually played with a couple in Washington, a long time ago, guys that showed up,” Tippett said. “It’ll be interesting. The key thing there is how quickly he can pick things up. (Assistant coach) Glen Gulutzan spent an hour with him and an interpreter (Wednesday) afternoon, going through just some tactical stuff. He speaks a little bit of English, but not much. But after the meeting Gully said they went through everything and the funny part was after they went through everything Burdasov wanted to go back and wanted to be tested on everything.

“So he’s trying to pick it up quick. We’ll see where he gets, he’s travelled a long way and I’m not sure how much training he’s put in, in the last week, and we’ll see where he’s at and we’ll get him in a couple of games.”

Burdasov has some international experience, winning gold with Russia at the 2011 World Junior Championship in Buffalo. He also won the KHL championship, the , in 2015 with SKA Saint Petersburg.

“I have a good shot and there are so many good players here, but I’ll try to be one of the better ones to be able to finish the attack and help them score more goals,” Burdasov said. “I just need some time to get in good shape and in good condition and I’m sure I can help the team.”

The Oilers will take any help they can get looking to keep from missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the 13th time in 14 seasons. Arriving late to training camp, Burdasov is fighting an uphill battle, but was unable to sort out travel issues on time once Holland agreed to have a look at him in training camp.

“One thing is evident just from the practice (Wednesday) is that he shoots the puck a ton,” Tippett said. “He can let it go. We’ll see where the rest of his game is, but he’s a shooter, I know that.” 1153418 Edmonton Oilers

Anton Burdasov gets on ice with Connor McDavid

Derek Van Diest

Anton Burdasov knew all about Connor McDavid before coming to the Edmonton Oilers on a professional tryout contract looking to earn an NHL job.

On Thursday, the Russian winger had an opportunity to share the ice with the Oilers star taking part in practice with the NHL regulars.

“He’s a good player and is a really good person,” Burdasov said of McDavid after practice through his Moscow-based agent Shumi Babaev. “I didn’t feel like he was a star because he was talking to me and trying to help me in practice.”

Burdasov went through a number of drills with the NHL group after taking the ice with players predominantly destined for the AHL the day before.

The Oilers will evaluate him in the next couple of days to see whether he’s able to get into a pre-season game, having come over on a long flight from Moscow a few days ago.

Despite his limited English, Burdasov seemed to get along well at the practice, run by head coach Jay Woodcroft.

“I understand what they said on the ice, most of the terms are hockey terms and I understand them,” Burdasov said. “I studied in English in school and I’ll try to learn as much as I can while I’m here.”

Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153419 Edmonton Oilers Vancouver, the Oilers outshot the Canucks 23-5 at five-on-five when he was on the ice. The scales tipped the other way 12-9 in the rematch.

Benson might stick around a little longer, but he’s now swimming Dreadful showing means several Oilers players are on the chopping upstream. block with cuts looming Gaetan Haas was cut by a high stick from Josh Leivo late in the first period. That drawn penalty was about the only time Haas was noticeable. That’s been par for the course for him. By Daniel Nugent-Bowman Sep 19, 2019 Two things work in Haas’s favour: He could head back to Europe if he doesn’t make the team and the Oilers have a giant hole at third-line centre. Those variables probably give him a longer leash. It’s getting There’s no question Thursday’s game was the death knell for a few shorter, though. players trying to make the Oilers out of camp. As a first-year pro who doesn’t turn 20 until Saturday, Ryan McLeod was For the second time in as many games against the Canucks, coach Dave never seriously in the mix for a job with the Oilers. That said, he’d Tippett iced a lineup that was decisively less experienced than the performed well for the second straight camp — until the back half of opposition. Thursday’s game. The result, a 6-1 loss, was much worst than the 4-2 deficit the Oilers The Oilers were out-attempted 18-10 at five-on-five in the 12:10 he was suffered two nights earlier. It was hard to ignore. on the ice. He’ll be off to Bakersfield soon. “It was a great evaluation game,” Tippett said. Brad Malone played 4:45 of his 13:18 shorthanded. The Canucks were 2- It was the third game in four nights for the team, and two players — Tyler for-6 with the man advantage and Malone was on the ice for one of those Benson and Patrick Russell — suited up in all of them. goals. His line, with Anthony Peluso and Markus Granlund, did little at even strength. However, the last two periods were a territorial nightmare for the Oilers. No passes are being given regardless of the workload. Malone, 30, probably hasn’t done enough to make it to the second week of camp. Perhaps the only thing saving Granlund is his $1.3 million “It’s hard to play in the regular season,” he said. “You get three games in salary. four nights with travel and then you get into playoff situations. If you wanna make the NHL, there’s no excuses.” Helped their chances

“You have to be smart and play the right way even if you don’t have Tippett said Wednesday he thought ’s best outing of much gas in the tank,” Oscar Klefbom said. “This was a good eye-opener camp was the game in Vancouver when the centre collected two assists. for a lot of guys to have that feeling, to be tired, but still go out there and He was effective again with linemates Tomas Jurco and Alex Chiasson. make an impression.” The 22-year-old, Bakersfield’s second-leading scorer last season, scored Few of them made a good one. in the first period and was easily Edmonton’s best pivot of the night. With a centre spot open, Marody is trying to make a case. Several cuts are imminent. Some could be announced as early as Friday morning. “Every time you drop a game 6-1, everyone’s not feeling good after,” he said. “But I think there’s a lot of good things I can take from this.” Tippett plans to have 29 to 31 players fly to Kelowna, B.C., on Saturday for practices on Sunday and Monday. The Oilers entered the game with His play did fall off, like his teammates, in the third period. The Oilers 46 players after goaltender Stuart Skinner was assigned to AHL were out-attempting the Canucks 9-0 through two periods at five-on-five Bakersfield earlier in the day. when he was on the ice. By game’s end, the margin shrunk to 10-5.

Here’s how the bubble players fared on Thursday, starting with the “I’m effective when I can have the puck on my stick for most of the players who could be on the chopping block soon. game,” Marody said. “I like the chemistry I’ve been able to build with Chaser and Jurco.” Hurt their chances But did Marody’s performance fall on deaf ears? Dmitri Samorukov was a very long shot to make the Oilers, but Thursday’s performance dashed any hopes. When asked if any of his centres stood out, Tippett said, “We lost 6-1.” (He later acknowledged, albeit without much enthusiasm, that the Samorukov and veteran partner Matt Benning both struggled mightily all production from Marody was good.) night amid blown coverages and suspect decision-making. His days in Edmonton are numbered. Tomas Jurco was effective for the second straight game. Although he went pointless after a two-point night in the first contest in Vancouver, Joel Persson was excellent in his preseason debut Monday. Paired again Jurco’s drive to the net after Chiasson forced a turnover helped lead to with Klefbom, his performance wasn’t nearly as good. Marody’s goal.

Coughing up a puck at the defensive blue line that led to a breakaway He’s on track to reach the second week of camp as he tries to earn a goal by Bo Horvat was the glaring error of the night. Call it one off night depth forward spot. for now. He wasn’t bad enough on Thursday to prevent him from getting to the second week by any means. Patrick Russell wasn’t nearly as impactful Thursday as he was in his previous two outings, but he should be flying to Kelowna with the big Perhaps the biggest disappointment on the blue line was Caleb Jones. club. After playing 17 games with the Oilers last season and acting as Bakersfield’s best defenceman, Jones was expected to be in the running The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 for a permanent job.

Skating on his off side with Keegan Lowe did him no favours, but Jones was ineffective and hasn’t stood out during camp in a meaningful way. Don’t expect him to be flying to Kelowna.

After leading Bakersfield in scoring last season, Tyler Benson was thought to be potentially closing in on a job — perhaps as high as the second-line left wing. He hasn’t had that opportunity — and after Thursday, it’s unlikely he’ll get that chance this fall.

It’s clear Benson was one of the players Tippett wanted to eye closely. He looked lethargic while playing in his third game in four nights. In 1153420 Edmonton Oilers That doesn’t mean he necessarily has to wait. Lots of comparables, including a guy like Krejci who was struck from Marody’s list, made it at this point in their careers. That Edmonton has openings on skill lines might make it easier for Benson to impress, though the hiring of Holland How quickly must the Oilers’ top AHL prospects claim NHL jobs before makes that less likely than it was in January. they become suspect? But nothing is as clear or certain. Consider the list of initial comparables who had to be struck off because they were already scoring in the NHL in their platform years: Claude Giroux, Sergei Kostitsyn and Steve Bernier. By Jonathan Willis Sep 19, 2019 Giroux has had the best career on the list; Bernier barely makes the cutoff for inclusion as a significant NHLer. Jumping now as opposed to a year from now is good, but not a necessity. Timelines in development are tricky. Rushing players into situations they aren’t prepared for can derail even quality prospects, something the Again, the split between impact (12) and non-impact (13) players is close Oilers have demonstrated repeatedly over the years. However, staying in to the same split we saw with Marody, though knocking Giroux, Kostitsyn the minors for too long is generally a sign that a player isn’t going to be and Bernier makes the picture a little more lopsided in favour of the capable of playing an important role in the NHL. misses. Given the small size of the sample, I’m not at all sure we shouldn’t treat both as 50/50 shots and expect one of the two to make it. The way to split the difference between those two points is to look at when successful players made the jump from the AHL to the NHL. None of these players really leaps off the page as a stylistic comparable for Benson. If one squints a little, maybe Boedker or Tlusty, but the group Being in the AHL at all is generally a sign that the player in question isn’t works better as an illustration of outer markers. Benson’s production last bound for a Hall of Fame career, but entire generations of very good year is good enough that a Ryan- or Krejci-level career is just possible, players have benefitted from minor-league seasoning. Future first-liners though that’s a best-case outcome. and top-pairing defenders have rounded their games in the minors. Making the NHL and doing well is always a good sign, but wouldn’t be The point they have in common is that they generally weren’t there very definitive. Luke Adam used a year like the one Benson just had as a long. The five players on this list have all had full AHL seasons at this launching pad for a 52-game season in which he recorded 10 goals and point, which means in some cases that the clock is ticking and in at least 20 points. Nobody realized at the time that his major-league career was one that the buzzer is about to sound. already 80 percent over, or that he’d only collect two more NHL points ever. Cooper Marody It’s reasonable to expect Benson to play this year, but the stakes are We start with Marody because for him more than anyone else on this list, lower for him than for Marody, and time in the AHL would be completely the time is now. History suggests that we’ll know by the end of this normal. Even Krejci and Ryan didn’t play whole NHL seasons at this season whether he has a legitimate shot at a significant NHL career. point in their respective careers. An initial survey of AHLers between 2005 and 2011 who matched William Lagesson Marody’s 2018-19 season by age (within six months) and scoring (between 85 and 115 percent of his point-per-game total) produced 21 As we switch to defence, the situation gets messier for a couple of possible comparables. Of these, 12 were significant NHL forwards by 27, reasons. four had long looks in lesser roles and five played less than two full seasons by that age. The first is that regular old scoring still remains the best number for projecting defencemen from the AHL to the NHL (at least until we get The two best players in the group — Max Pacioretty and David Krejci — hard AHL data, if that proves more revealing than the various clever are eliminated on second look because they spent large portions of their estimates have to date), and although it’s better than other tools it’s not platform years in the NHL and scored well while they were there. as good for defenders as it is for forwards.

As for the rest of the top-end talent, the pattern is clear: The second is that NHL teams are more conservative with developing defencemen, so even going to age-27 doesn’t resolve the picture Eight of the 10 players in this group played well over 30 games, with entirely. Jonathan Ericsson, for example, is underrated here, being only Kostitsyn and Fleischmann the only outliers. Even Filppula and Hudler, two years into what would be a fairly solid career. Nevertheless, as the both developed under Ken Holland’s famously patient watch in Detroit, UFA cutoff, it’s difficult to justify pushing it out further, and immediacy has played a lot, albeit in a lesser role. its own value. That may be a relevant precedent. Although ultimately skill players in the Still, what we know is revealing. Lagesson’s age/scoring comps from a NHL, they started well down the depth chart in the majors after mastering varied list: four “impact” players, eight who had two or three seasons the minors, taking a year to acclimate and then providing auxiliary under their belt by 27 (including Ericsson), 17 ‘tweeners and 11 no- scoring a season later. If Marody can win the fourth line centre job out of shows. The median is a Staffan Kronwall-ish career. camp, he’ll be on pace to follow in their tracks. Lagesson is a lesser prospect than the forwards at this time, but because I’m also compelled to point to Purcell. Although their positions differ (for his virtues are primarily defensive I wonder if this look doesn’t underrate the moment, though Marody might well move to wing at some point) he him a bit historically. On the other hand, with the league moving ever and Marody share traits in common: right shots, slower skaters relative to more toward skill, that’s potentially offset by the changing times. the leagues of their respective days, highly cerebral, blessed with puck skills and a knack for getting it under control and moving in the right At any rate, these are the 10 most favourable comps from his list and direction. their times of arrival:

Even some of the less successful comps had good years at this point in It’s not really worth parsing timelines for a prospect in this position. their careers. Robert Nilsson, who falls just below the cut line here, had Lagesson could play tomorrow or in two years. The hope is just that at 41 points in 71 games before fading out. Guys further back, like Cal some point he can carve out a third-pairing gig for a few seasons. O’Reilly and Jerome Samson had 31- and 23-game NHL stints, too. There’s always a chance he does more, a la Boychuk or Ericsson, but if that happens the Oilers can just take it as it comes. Put it all together, and it adds up to Marody making the jump at some point this season, either out of camp or later on. Failure to do so would and Caleb Jones be a significant mark against his future prospects as an NHLer. Bear and Jones have gone back and forth in terms of hype over the Tyler Benson years, with first one taking the lead and then the other. Both are June 1997 birthdays, taken just one round apart and each has had a similarly The critical difference between Benson and Marody is one of age. While long NHL cameo and nearly identical AHL numbers a season ago. any objective analysis must severely downgrade Marody if he doesn’t make the jump this year, Benson could play another season in the AHL, Because the age and scoring brackets we use for this process are score the way Marody did last year and still have a plausible path to the practically identical, we’ll take these two players together. majors. The results are clearer, and more encouraging, than in Lagesson’s case. Thirteen of 27 initial comps are impact players, four more had brief careers and the remaining 10 are split evenly between ‘tweeners and clean misses. The timelines are pretty definitive, too:

The conventional wisdom about defencemen is too conservative. We know more, earlier, than is commonly acknowledged.

As we saw in Lagesson’s case, it can take teams a long time to separate the guys who will someday be good No. 4 NHL defencemen from the other guys who will be top-pairing AHL/European defenders. That makes sense: defence is harder to measure, there’s a lot of noise and the gaps in talent really aren’t that big. Further, as we see on this chart, there are a couple of highly touted duds who would take a few years to burn up their initial cachet.

However, the real quality tends to rise quickly. Yandle, White, Wisniewski and Demers were playing lots of games and heavy minutes at 22. Stralman and Girardi (did you know he got two first-place Norris votes?) were there at 23. There are a few of those high picks who had yet to fall, and Franson didn’t get a ton of work on a deep Nashville blueline, but mostly the good players play early.

As with Benson and Marody, the Oilers stand a reasonable chance of landing one higher-end (read: second-pair) player from this duo. This year will be revealing as to which one it is, and might even give us our first bit of permanent daylight between the two. Missing this year doesn’t guarantee failure (see Klein and particularly Smith, the lone Holland- developed player on this list) but it reduces the odds and likely ceiling significantly.

Jones has advantages in that he was the Condors’ best defenceman last year, that he’s an exceptional skater and that he’s routinely underrated as a physical defender. Bear though is a natural right-side defenceman on a team with need there, and if his creativity with the puck isn’t at levels it’s still awfully good.

Both Jones and Bear should play this year, but carving out a regular job in the lineup would be a big step in the right direction should either manage it and could foreshadow eventual regular work inside the top four.

Jones and Bear then join Benson in the middle tier of this group of five. In all three cases, making the jump now would be a very good sign, but further time in the AHL still leaves them some room to carve out significant careers.

At the opposite ends of the , we find Marody and Lagesson. If Marody is destined to play an important role in the majors, we’ll almost certainly see NHL evidence of it this season. Lagesson, on the other hand, is already past that point; if he makes it he’ll likely do so in a depth role, and if he rises above that he’d be a clear exception to recent history.

The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153421 Edmonton Oilers term injury reserve if needed. However, Holland also wants to save $1 million for possible performance bonuses for Mike Smith in addition to his $2 million cap hit.

McDavid and more: Five thoughts through the first week of Oilers camp With Burdasov in the picture, filling out the forward ranks just got a little muddier for Tippett and his coaching staff.

Let’s start with what we know. By Daniel Nugent-Bowman Sep 19, 2019 As long as McDavid’s healthy and ready to go, he’s centring the top line with Draisaitl and Kassian on his wings.

Oilers training camp is reaching the end of its first week. Here’s what’s The second line will feature Ryan Nugent-Hopkins up the middle and developed so far. James Neal on one side; it’s looking like it’ll be the right. Tippett is trying to find last member of the trio. The biggest and most important story of training camp, determining Connor McDavid’s return to game action, took a hopeful turn Sam Gagner got the assignment for the preseason opener. Joakim Wednesday. Nygard skated with that line at practice on Wednesday and is expected to play with Neal in Thursday’s game. (Tippett said Nugent-Hopkins may While GM Ken Holland reiterated the Oilers will continue to be cautious be held out.) before pencilling the captain’s name into the lineup, he said “there’s a chance” McDavid will play in a preseason game next week. The Tippett believes he has something in a line of Jujhar Khaira, Riley comments represent a step in the right direction, considering Holland Sheahan and Josh Archibald. Early indications are that trio will get more said at the onset of camp that McDavid might play one exhibition tilt but time together, although Tippett hinted he may still do some tinkering. probably wouldn’t suit up for any. That’s eight spots counted for and Gagner and Alex Chiasson are Better still, being in the lineup for the first regular season game appears essentially locks to be on the team whether on the second line or the more likely than ever. fourth. Markus Granlund is right there too, as solely a depth forward.

“I think we’re pretty optimistic for opening night,” Holland said. That leaves four jobs at most – and probably three – if the roster is set at with 14 players up front. The next determination on a timeline for McDavid, who partially tore the PCL in his left knee in the 2018-19 regular season finale, will be made Centre has earned rave reviews from Tippett whenever he’s after the Oilers return from a weekend getaway to Kelowna, B.C., on been asked. The coach said Cooper Marody’s best effort of camp so far Monday. was Tuesday’s game in Vancouver. They’re both battling for a centre spot, along with Gaetan Haas. The latter appears to be trailing in the race McDavid has repeatedly said he feels great on the ice and has certainly but will get another opportunity on Thursday. looked the part. He’s been skating at full speed in a regular sweater with linemates Leon Draisaitl and Zack Kassian without any signs of Tippett has also been complimentary of Nygard, and a look on the hesitation. second line shows he’s trending in the right direction. He’ll get some power-play time, too. Tyler Benson hasn’t been afforded those types of Next week sees the Oilers play their last three preseason contests. chances yet. The 21-year-old winger played with two AHL-bound players They’re at home Tuesday against Arizona before road matchups on Tuesday and performed well. Thursday in Winnipeg and Saturday in Calgary. Patrick Russell has had two strong preseason games and Tomas Jurco One of the storylines coming into camp was how many forwards were was very good in his one outing in Vancouver. They’re in the mix for a job battling for roster spots — one as a second-line winger and as many as on the wing, Russell on the right and Jurco on the left. three at the bottom of the ranks. Throw in Burdasov and things get even more crowded. Well, you can add another name to the list after Russian winger Anton Burdasov arrived in Edmonton on a professional tryout offer Wednesday. Joel Persson continues to have the inside track on the coveted job to be paired with veteran Oscar Klefbom. The Oilers had been hoping to bring the 28-year-old in for a couple weeks, but visa delays were to blame. The 25-year-old Swede was great in his preseason debut on Monday, albeit against a minor league-level Jets team. He practised alongside Holland said he’s never seen Burdasov play but had his Detroit scouts Klefbom on Wednesday. view the six-foot-two, 227-pound forward when he was the GM there. Burdasov had 19 goals and 31 points in 50 games for Salavat Yulaev Ufa If this trend continues, it’s hard to see how 2018 first-rounder Evan of the KHL, where he played top-six minutes. Bouchard makes the team.

Burdasov practiced for the first time with the Oilers on Wednesday and, Tippett only wants Bouchard on the roster if he’s playing as one of the with little understanding of English, relied heavily on the translating skills regular six defencemen. The coach also wants blueliners on their strong of first-year pro and countryman Dmitri Samorukov. sides.

After enduring 24 hours worth of travel, Burdasov will probably be held Righty Adam Larsson is with Darnell Nurse. Right now, Persson is with out of Thursday’s preseason game against Vancouver and play Friday Klefbom. That leaves Bouchard – or 22-year-old Ethan Bear, for that against Calgary instead. matter – having to supplant veteran Matt Benning.

“He’s a big guy. He can skate well and he has a really good shot, a really The No. 7 job is still up for grabs and an injury to Kris Russell will give hard shot,” said Oilers goalie Mikko Koskinen, Burdasov’s teammate with more looks for left-siders Caleb Jones and William Lagesson. St. Petersburg SKA from 2014 to 2016. “He can shoot the puck; one of the best that I’ve actually seen. Let’s hope that Anton will make the McDavid’s injury is the one that gets the most attention, but a few team.” ailments have hindered evaluations and planning so far.

Burdasov has been given no assurances he’ll be an Oiler when the Russell has been in concussion protocol since colliding with a teammate action gets going for real next month, Holland said. The left-shot winger during a pre-camp captains’ skate. wanted to give the NHL a go after 10 years in the KHL. Holland said Kailer Yamamoto continues to practise but hasn’t played after other NHL teams have expressed interest and he has KHL offers if there undergoing offseason wrist surgery. The 2017 first-rounder is trending isn’t a fit with the Oilers. towards starting the season in Bakersfield. “It’s gonna be tough (for him),” Holland said. “It’s the middle of camp. It’s Kassian has been dealing with a minor leg/groin issue, which has kept a short time. We’re giving him an opportunity.” him out of game action but not practices. Tippett said he’d like to see When it comes to potentially signing Burdasov to a contract, the Oilers Kassian and Draisaitl make their preseason debuts before week’s end. have just over $1.5 million in cap space, per CapFriendly. Of course, the Archibald missed practice Wednesday after falling on his arm during the roster hasn’t been finalized. Kyle Brodziak (back) could be put on long- previous day’s session. Mike Smith was on the ice before practice Wednesday with goalie coach Dustin Schwartz. He’s been out with the flu since the start of camp.

Neither Smith nor Koskinen has played a game yet. The end of his week was supposed to see that change. Smith’s game status remains unclear, but Tippett said Koskinen will play half a game by week’s end.

The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153422 Edmonton Oilers years on his entry-level deal. If he needs time in the minors, Edmonton would be wise to send him down.

What does that look like? Part of it is making sure he is completely Why Kailer Yamamoto’s delayed training camp may benefit his Oilers healthy and fit after the wrist injury, surgery and rehab. Yamamoto has career been seen in camp working on his release, but he hasn’t played in any games and looks a little shy of his previous mobility. That’s rust, and it could be a blessing, as a month in Bakersfield tearing the cover off the ball will give Jay Woodcroft a chance to work his magic and allow By Allan Mitchell Sep 19, 2019 Yamamoto to have scoring success before a recall.

Other options His first NHL goal came at Rogers Place, against the Original Six The Holland Oilers are a lot about competition this fall, and that could powerhouse Boston Bruins, midway through the second period on also involve trades and waivers. Puljujarvi’s trade request hasn’t yet been October 18, 2018. Edmonton Oilers defenceman Adam Larsson sent a delivered, and we could see it happen if the club feels there’s an upgrade long-range dart to Kailer Yamamoto at the far blue line. The young on the current roster available from outside the organization. winger turned in to the Bruins zone, sped in on net (with three Boston players chasing) and went shelf from 18 feet. Music! That may also be true with the team’s considerable defensive depth chart. There are early indications that more than one of the Condors blue Yamamoto’s lone goal in his two NHL auditions (26 games overall) is in from a year ago are ready to graduate, so a defenceman could be added stark contrast with his preseason success in the fall of 2017 and 2018. In to Puljujarvi in an effort to get a real scoring upgrade on the wing through fact, his five-on-five performances in each exhibition schedule suggested a trade. he was one of the best right-wing scoring options available to the team, if not the best: What does it all mean?

Yamamoto’s 2017 preseason at five-on-five: 5 games, 2-1-3 in 49:48, Oilers training camp 2019 is like watching an old-time talent show. AHL 3.61 points per 60. His most common centre was Ryan Nugent-Hopkins hopefuls, Euro dreamers, a few false starts from other organizations (17:43) via Natural Stat Trick. along with some bona fide mid-level free agents. The Oilers’ roster battles are taking place without Yamamoto or Puljujarvi, as it should have Jesse Puljujarvi’s 2018 preseason at five-on-five: 6 games, 4-0-4 in been in 2017 and 2018. 74:00, 3.24 points per 60. His most common centre was Leon Draisasitl (32:13) followed by Ryan McLeod (31:52). Earlier in camp, general manager Ken Holland was asked about defenceman Evan Bouchard, who is in the mix for a roster spot coming The Oilers under then-GM Peter Chiarelli made what turned out to be a out of junior: “I’d rather make the call during the season to call the player fatal error, playing Yamamoto too deep into the preseason schedule up than to make the call during the season to send the player down. I while deploying him too high on the depth chart. In the fall of 2017, the think it’s easier on their mind and mentality to be working their way up major players on right among prospects (using time on ice five-on-five) than down. So, young players have to take the job from a veteran.” were Yamamoto (almost 50 minutes), Puljujarvi (38 minutes) and Ty Rattie (26 minutes). In 2018, it was once again Yamamoto leading the One way to make that happen is to slow play the injured and unready. way (74 minutes) over Puljujarvi (61 minutes) and Rattie (46 minutes). In Yamamoto might be frustrated by lack of playing time and early success, training camp and preseason schedules, Yamamoto was the featured but he flourished at this time of year in 2017 and 2018 and it did not end prospect at the position, ahead of Puljujarvi (who was a higher pick and happily once the regular season arrived. This training camp may turn out four months older). to be the most important one for him as a member of the Edmonton Oilers. As it turned out, all three primary skill wingers auditioned in 2017 and 2018 training camps could not use exhibition success as traction for the The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 regular season. This year, Rattie is in the KHL, Puljujarvi is in the Sm- Liiga and Yamamoto is trying to get into preseason games for the Edmonton Oilers.

The early days of this season have the Oilers auditioning a more veteran group on right wing, led by offseason trade acquisition James Neal, returning Alex Chiasson and unrestricted-free-agent signing Josh Archibald (Zack Kassian is injured but assured a spot if healthy). The “kids” who are getting a look up front this fall are left winger Tyler Benson, centre Cooper Marody and Finnish speedster Joakim Nygard, all of whom enter camp after successful pro seasons.

A good guess for the NHL depth chart at right wing to begin 2019-20 would have Kassian on the top line, Neal or Sam Gagner on the second unit and a third and fourth line populated by Archibald and Chiasson. If the team includes an extra right winger on the NHL roster, it could fall to Patrick Russell or Tomas Jurco, who have enjoyed strong early camps.

The Bakersfield Condors are going to be a damn good team based on what we’re seeing this fall in Edmonton. Yamamoto, if healthy, should be a lock for one of the right-wing spots on a skill line. Cameron Hebig has been a revelation this month in camp, and he could slide in on the top line as he did a year ago (with Benson and Marody) at the beginning of the AHL season. It’s also possible new pros Kirill Maksimov and Ostap Safin could push, and Patrick Russell is a solid contributor no matter what line he’s on in the AHL.

Bad timing

Yamamoto turns 21 on September 29. When Jesse Puljujarvi was about 150 days away from his 21st birthday, Ken Hitchcock and the Oilers recalled the big Finn to Edmonton for the final time.

If we can agree that the Puljujarvi handling was all about bad timing (and prospect mismanagement), then Yamamoto represents the first chance for the new management group to get it right. Yamamoto has two more 1153423 Florida Panthers Summer workouts gave the veteran a chance to meet some of his defensive teammates, including Aaron Ekblad and Ian McCoshen. The latter had a routine similar to Stralman, and they ended up working together. How a well-worked prank (and some workouts) helped Panthers quickly bond with new additions “More and more guys came in and then you’re able to say hi, meet them and talk a little bit before the next guy comes in,” Stralman said. “It’s been good that way. You feel familiar with everybody. It seems like a great group of guys.” By Erin Brown Sep 19, 2019 Players have more opportunity to bond on the team’s current four-game

road trip across three cities. The Panthers return to Florida briefly on CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — MacKenzie Weegar remembers receiving the Saturday before sending a squad to Tulsa, Okla., to face the Dallas text that rattled him. Stars.

Two weeks after the Florida Panthers went on a free-agent spending It’s a taste of what the Cats can expect in that first month. Florida begins spree, Weegar got a message on his phone from an unknown number. It the season with nine of 13 games on the road, including a week in was new teammate Noel Acciari. Western Canada and the U.S.

The former Boston Bruin, who decisively pummeled Weegar in an on-ice “It’s always good to get on the road and get comfortable, find your seat fight last season, was now demanding the defenseman’s jersey number, on the plane and hang around with your teammates a little more,” said 52. Brett Connolly, another of Florida’s new additions. “We need to obviously gel as a team, and there’s such a good group of guys here. It shouldn’t At the mall with friends, Weegar wasn’t sure what to do. He abruptly be a problem for me and the new guys to fit in.” ended his outing, dropping his buddies off at home. He called some of the Panthers’ trainers for advice. Then he reached out to Keith Yandle. Getting a taste of more luxurious NHL travel is a bonus for rookies on the road, though getting comfortable with teammates is also important. What Weegar didn’t know is the number actually belonged to Brian Foley, a friend of Yandle. As Weegar came to the realization Acciari “Anytime you get to go on the road and build chemistry with guys and doesn’t even wear 52 — he wears 55 — Yandle called. play more meaningful games, it’s pretty exciting,” Owen Tippett said.

“Yans gave me a FaceTime and was just laughing so hard,” Weegar But one relationship required a little more than a meet-and-greet and said. “I was like, ‘You got me.'” dinner in another city: Weegar and Acciari’s.

“The best part about it was Weegs called me for advice on what to do,” In late March, the pair fought in a 7-3 blowout at the hands of the Bruins. Yandle said. “He was like, ‘Hey man, what do I do?’ I was like, ‘I don’t Weegar tried to give his teammates a spark down by three late in the know what to do.’ We had it from all different angles. I had the trainers in second period. on it, too. It was good.” “I think I was having a bad game, honestly, and I think I needed The prank may have gotten some fast laughs, but its long-term something to stay in the lineup,” Weegar said. “Obviously, it didn’t work implications could be even greater. out too well for me in the end.”

Florida’s roster has undergone a number of changes, from the addition of The pair fought in the previous season as well. Weegar didn’t come out coach Joel Quenneville to bringing in four free agents. With several of that bout victorious either. rookies still vying for roster spots, there will be some new faces taking When Weegar saw his team’s free-agent signings on July 1, only one the ice opening night, Oct. 3, against the Lightning. thought came to mind when he saw Acciari was his new teammate: And with expectations high for the Cats from the get-go this season, “Thank God.” finding chemistry has never been more essential. “Thank God I never have to fight him again,” Weegar said. “That’s Quenneville set the tone early, settling in quickly at the team’s practice honestly what I felt. I was happy about it. He’s a great player. I’m happy facility after being hired in April. Players coming in for workouts were he’s on the team now so I don’t have to fight him anymore.” getting to know their new bench boss before the NHL postseason had Still, Yandle, one of Florida’s alternate captains last season, wasted little even ended. time in getting the former rivals acquainted. “Once he signed with the team, he was at the practice rink every day,” “It’s hockey, you get traded, guys fight and whatever,” Yandle said. “I just Sasha Barkov said. “I went there maybe twice a week after the season to kind of wanted to break the ice for those guys.” work out or just do some rehab. He’s there looking at somebody’s skating or at the gym, just hanging around there. I (have) never seen that As far as Weegar is concerned, it worked. before.” “Ultimately, me and Acciari are good buddies,” Weegar said. “I got to Slow starts have plagued Florida in recent seasons. Since their last know him really quickly. We had a lot of laughs about it. I can’t be mad playoff appearance in 2016, the Panthers have never been higher than about the whole joke because it was awesome.” 12th in the Eastern Conference standings after the month of October. The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 A fast start is crucial for Florida, something Quenneville has instilled in his players from the moment training camp opened last Friday.

“We don’t need to speak about it,” Sergei Bobrovsky said. “The organization made the big deals, big moves in the summer so the expectations are there. It is important to have a good start. I know it’s a long season, but still every game is so important. Every point is so important. So there is no time to test the water. You have to jump right into it from the first game and fight for each and every point.”

Florida’s practice facility has served as the meeting point for most of the team.

Newcomer Anton Stralman has been in South Florida since mid-July working to get into game shape following surgery in May.

“It was good to be here early,” Stralman said, “because then you see the guys trickle in instead of jumping into a room of 23 guys where all the relationships are basically done already and made and you’re trying to put a name and a face (together). It’s hard.” 1153424 Los Angeles Kings “For me, he’s a mobile puck mover. Like any player, there are things you’d like to think he can do better. But he does bring some valuable tools to the table.”

Kings’ deal with Ben Hutton was prompted by injuries to their LA Times: LOADED: 09.20.2019 defensemen

By JACK HARRISSTAFF WRITER SEP. 19, 2019 4:54 PM

Todd McLellan chuckled as he walked down a hallway in the Kings practice facility Thursday morning. When asked about the status of injured forward Ilya Kovalchuk, the coach found a description even vaguer than the NHL’s usual upper-body or lower-body designation.

“Let’s go with ‘middle body,’ ” McLellan said.

Kovalchuk’s case can be treated with such levity. The 36-year-old forward left practice early Wednesday after he “tweaked something,” McLellan told reporters, and won’t be in the lineup for the Kings’ third preseason game Thursday night. But, according to McLellan, Kovalchuk isn’t expected to be out more than a few days. At this stage, his ailment is hardly a concern.

The Kings have more serious injury issues to worry about.

Left-handed defenseman Derek Forbort has been the biggest absence during the first week of training camp. A back injury has kept him off the ice, made his status for the start of the season unclear and prompted the Kings to sign veteran Ben Hutton in an unexpected preseason roster move this week.

“[Forbort is] struggling to get healthy right now,” McLellan said Tuesday night. “No one has any idea on his timeline.”

Without Forbort, who usually partners with Drew Doughty, the Kings’ depth on the left side of the blue line was dwindling. Alec Martinez and free-agent signee Joakim Ryan were the only other left-handed defensemen with at least 50 career NHL games.

2019 NHL Draft - Round 2-7

HOCKEY

Kings GM knows a return to Stanley Cup contention leans on prospect development

So, on Tuesday night, the team went out and signed Hutton to a one- year, $1.5-million deal. The former Vancouver Canucks defenseman, who scored 20 points in 69 games last year, arrived in Los Angeles on Wednesday night and skated with the team Thursday morning.

“I got to learn how to be a pro, from guys like [Daniel] and [Henrik] Sedin,” Hutton said of his four seasons in Vancouver, the team that drafted him in the fifth round in 2012 and brought him into the NHL in 2015-16. “Unfortunately, we went our separate ways.”

Hutton called his offseason “stressful.” Though he was third among Canucks defensemen in scoring last year, he also suffered a career- worst minus-23 rating and wasn’t tendered a qualifying offer. He and the Kings reportedly discussed a potential contract this summer but nothing came to fruition. Then, he sat around in his hometown in Ottawa and watched roster spots around the league fill up.

“It was going OK mid-summer,” he said. “I was doing the same thing as every other player, getting ready for next season, training, skating. Then more and more players kept going away to camp, then camp started. I was like, ‘Uh oh, I’m really stressing.’ ”

But with Forbort sidelined, and fellow defenseman Paul LaDue slowly working his way back onto the ice from an offseason knee procedure — LaDue joined the team’s main morning skate Thursday but wasn’t included in the team’s lineup for Thursday night’s game — the Kings were in need of another defenseman with NHL experience.

Hutton was a perfect fit, giving the Kings a seasoned stopgap that will prevent them from rushing one of their young defensemen into NHL action prematurely.

“He’ll provide us an NHL presence,” McLellan said of Hutton. “Somebody that’s played a number of games, he’s played in the Pacific Division, he’s been able to play 15 to 20 minutes per night. 1153425 Los Angeles Kings McLellan, on Blake Lizotte not loving his own performance: It’s funny. When a coach trusts a player, it’s a lot better for the team, it’s

a lot better for the coach and the individual. I’m gaining a big a big trust in VGK 3, LAK 2 (OT): BOX SCORES; MCLELLAN, LIZOTTE, Blake. When you’re able to analyze your own game as an individual. He EYSSIMONT QUOTES knows his game better than I do right now, so if that was his comment and his belief, then I’m going to go with that. He also did some really good things tonight. If there’s more there and he’s going to show us more, that’s great. JON ROSEN SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 McLellan, on whether he saw a lot of Blake Lizotte last season:

I did. I saw Blake and Mikey Anderson and Jimmy Schuldt. Anybody that POSTGAME QUOTES played in the NCHC, I either saw them live or on video a lot during the Todd McLellan, on working out a number of Kings from the previous winter. Had a lot of time, and they’re great players. Blake took over game: games when I watched him play in St. Cloud. I’m excited about him being a part of the organization. Yeah, but you know what, we could be in the Stanley Cup Final in Game 7 and there’s always going to be some stuff to fix. This was light years McLellan, on whether evaluations are weighed differently when one better, in my opinion. There was so much more structure to it, we still player is a first round pick: gave up chances and made mistakes, but that’s going to happen. This Quite frankly, there’s always the tag that goes with the player. The first was a step in the right direction for our team. We talked about growth, we round pick, or whatever it might be. I don’t care. I don’t care what round, I got it. Didn’t get the win, scored on ourselves, a little disappointing, a lot don’t care if they’re free agents, I don’t care where they came from, what of teachable moments, but I thought from … Tuesday to Thursday, the country, what language. It’s about the game and what they can team got better. Now, is that the group that played? Was that the players contribute. If we had the draft this year, Blake Lizotte might’ve gone in that contributed to tonight’s effort? Could be, or else they’re getting some the first round. He’s just a little bit older, he’s got a little more experience. concepts and the pieces are starting to work a little bit together, and I Age and draft spot, it doesn’t matter to me. It’s ‘can you play, or can’t think it was a bit of both. [Reporter: What were the moments about the you?’ game that made you feel that way?] Just the structure that we saw. A lot of things that we worked on we applied in the game and we had success Blake Lizotte, on balancing the overtime loss with the improvement with. And when I break down the goals, they weren’t necessarily shown: systematic. We shot one in our net, and we got a little casual on a retrieval and got beat up ice. And then in overtime, we put our big boys Like you said, it’s the preseason. You focus on getting better each game. out early, they got their big boys out second, and the inexperience came We felt we improved, especially the group at home that played on through a little bit. A little hesitant, they made a nice play and hit a Tuesday. We were for the most part pretty happy with our game, but it’s homerun. So, none of that really came into structural errors, effort errors, a learning experience. A lot of youth in our room right now, and closing which we definitely had here at home on Tuesday night. Growth existed out games is obviously one of the hardest things to do, especially in this over the last 48 hours – that’s a good sign. league, as it showed tonight. Vegas is a really good team, and I felt a bad bounce or two, they score, and they get momentum and sure enough, McLellan, on the Eyssimont-Thomas-Fagemo line: there’s two or three in the back of the net. I think it’s a good learning experience for our group. Hopefully we learn from it as we go and we That line was excellent. They gave themselves permission to play at this don’t let that happen anymore. level and play confident. They did a lot of things really well in the game, both offensively and defensively. They created momentum shifts for us, Lizotte, on his momentum in camp, and whether he’s where he wants to they played structurally really strong, and I think there’s a bright future for be at this point in preseason: those types of players. Are we ready yet, or are we ready for them will be the big question. Some of them still have some junior eligibility, so I think Yes and no. You can always improve. I had a goal and whatever, an there are still things to talk about, but I think when you’re a young player assist tonight, but I felt I didn’t play my best game. Sometimes you score and you’re getting management and coaches to discuss what’s best for and you don’t play well. I’m a person that likes to play well over personal the player and what’s best for the team, you’ve done some things well points or whatever. Any way I can help the team win – whether it’s and we’ll need to do that with some of those players. scoring, winning faceoffs, being on the penalty kill – I take pride in that, so I actually wasn’t really happy with the way I played tonight. I’m even McLellan, on quality of play ramping up during the preseason: more disappointed in the loss, but it’s preseason, so you’ve got to take the positives out of this and learn from it for next game. [Reporter: What It does. The play gets tougher and tougher, the competition gets better. did you not like?] My compete level wasn’t as high. I lost a few battles in Some players will perform better as that happens. There’s more the corner tonight. That’s just not my game. I’m usually really high on predictability in the games, there’s more structure in the games, and we compete level and battle level, so I think that can get higher. sometimes use the comment ‘I think he’ll play better with better players’ as it gets organized a little bit more. I think a guy like Kupari is showing Lizotte, on his placement this season being influenced by goals and us that. Not so much in the rookie games – a little bit better and every assists: night getting better, so he’s doing some things as he plays with better players and around better players that we recognize, but the I’ve always deflected roster talk. I’m a person that just shows up every competition’s going to get stronger. It’s good for us. We want tough day and works hard. Whether that’s up or down or Minnesota or games, we want the hardest we can play against right now so we can California – I’ve said that multiple times. Whether you’re up or down I make decisions and push our players. think you’ve got to work hard and get better each day, so my focus isn’t so much on that, it’s ‘how can I help this organization win?’ Whether McLellan, on whether his own admitted rust from Tuesday was gone: that’s in Ontario or with L.A., I think that’s the bottom line – helping this organization win. It doesn’t go away that quick, but I felt better behind the bench, I felt more organized. For me, it’s as much knowing the players. I’ve got my Lizotte, on using Game 82 last season as a baseline, and now getting card there and very seldom do you have to pull a card out and look at into rapid-fire exhibitions: guys names. But here, when we’re trying to put a few power play units together and all of a sudden somebody’s down with a bad skate or a It was great to come in and experience that game at the end of the year. slight injury, it throws everything off whereas when you’re not rusty and More so just to get used to the game day routine and to be around the you’re familiar with the group, you can just react like that. superstars like Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar, guys I’ve looked up to since I was five or six years old. You kind of get star struck by those McLellan, on whether any players exceeded expectations: guys, so to get that out of the way of ‘wow, it’s these all-stars’ was good for me in the spring, and again, they were out of playoffs last year, so it A lot of them did. That whole third-fourth line – whatever you want to call was a difficult environment. Last game of the year. Obviously, it’s a lot them – the Thomas line played extremely well. They played in all areas more intense this time of year, and I like that. But I took a lot that week I of the rink, they played aggressive and provided a lot of momentum and was out here, and I think I was able to use that for training over the energy for the team, so I was excited about them being out there. summer. Lizotte, on the cut on his chin:

Oh, that was in the little in-house scrimmage, one of the scrimmage days. Yeah, a puck came up and got me, unfortunately. At the end of the year last year, I’d lost a tooth in the game, and sure enough, the first scrimmage back, I took this. Unfortunate bounces. [You lost one on the very last game of the season?] Yeah, I did. Just half of it. Got a cap on there and it was kind of a good memory, I guess, looking back on it. First NHL game. You’re not a hockey player without it. [Rerporter: Well, you’ve got the cage off out of college.] Exactly, Yeah, I’m used to the cage in college. My height, I’m 5’9 on a good day, so sticks are in my face area a lot.

Mikey Eyssimont, on his line demonstrating good chemistry:

All training camp Coach Todd’s been preaching he likes the youth and he wants the youth to play with energy, so we just try to bring a lot of energy and I think it created a lot offense. First time playing with Killer and Gemo, so I think that we had pretty good chemistry to start out with and we were able to get some good chances. Unfortunately none went in, but overall I think we were pretty happy with our play. It was a lot of fun.

Eyssimont, on performing well in only his second career preseason game:

I had a lot of jitters before the game, but this group, it was kind of loose in here and kind of easy for me to just go out and play my game. I can’t thank the guys enough – I had a hell of a time out there.

Eyssimont, on balancing the overtime loss with the improvement shown:

We want to win every game, but Coach Todd’s been putting things into place slowly but surely. We’re not close to knowing all of our systems yet – we’re just slowly building, and he doesn’t want to throw too much at us at once, but we’re going to keep building on top of what we’re doing and slowly get better at it.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153426 Los Angeles Kings 16:50 – Anderson rings one off the crossbar on a good look from the left circle.

Mikey Anderson hits the post#LAKings pic.twitter.com/FQfrq9PkvP LIVE BLOG: LOS ANGELES VS VEGAS — Eric (@Kingsgifs) September 20, 2019

16:27 – PENALTY LAK. Brown for interference. JON ROSENSEPTEMBER 19, 2019 15:30 – Schmidt catches the underside of the crossbar.

14:55 – Good tie up by Ryan on Eakin in front of Quick. Disrupts a good GAME THREADS chance.

Vegas Golden Knights 3, Los Angeles Kings 2 13:43 – PENALTY VGK. Hague for high-sticking.

Final-Overtime 11:27 – 88:33 of home preseason action without a goal.

Radio Feed 10:44 – Marchessault darts down the left wing, but Quick sticks out his left pad to deny his far-post bid. Box Score 10:25 – Karlsson-up-high-to-Schuldt, one-timer, save Quick, no rebound. Event Summary 9:03 – Thomas’ line again providing pressure in advance of the media Ice Tracker timeout.

SOG: LAK – 38; VGK – 25 LA's two most extended offensive zone forays have come through the Eyssimont-Thomas-Fagemo line. Eyssimont having himself a fine night. PP: LAK – 1/4; VGK – 0/2 Pressure leads to Go Kings Go chants. Overtime — Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) September 20, 2019 Marchesseault goes underneath the crossbar on a break during the 8:40 – Engelland plays Wagner with good cushion and doesn’t allow him second shift of OT; VGK wins, 3-2. to blow past. — Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) September 20, 2019 8:20 – Wagner receives a puck wide and cuts towards the tops of the Third Period circles on a three-on-two, but Dansk stops his shot from the slot and the rebound is channeled wide. 20:00 – Toffoli up with Iafallo, Kopitar to start the third. 7:22 – Clague takes a hit below the goal line but still advances the puck 18:40 – PENALTY VGK. Schuldt for interference. Eyssimont-Thomas- to Toffoli. Good job taking a hit to make a play. Fagemo start the power play. 6:51 – Quick swallows up Karlsson’s high-grade chance from the slot. 17:17 – PENALTY VGK. Eakin for tripping. 41 seconds of 5-on-3. 5:48 – Very good Quick pad save on Eakin’s bid from the mid-slot after 16:36 – Good pressure, but Kopitar can’t finish a Brown cross-crease the center found a seam and Walker didn’t react in time. saucer pass. 5:05 – LAK PENALTY. Anderson for hooking. 14:55 – Bjornfot caught a bit flat as Eakin dances around him wide and makes a move to the net but doesn’t get a great chance off. 3:05 – Schuldt makes a dent where crossbar meets goalpost. Lots of posts tonight. VGK’s only really threatening PP chance; there wasn’t 7:24 – GOAL LAK. 2-0. On a rush, Toffoli issues a pass across the zone much for the first 1:59. to an unmarked Lizotte, who reaches for it, receives it, and sneaks it between Dansk’s blocker and right pad. 1:11 – VGK PENALTY. Duke for delay of game for putting a bouncing puck over the glass. 10:44 – Brown’s wrister swallowed by by Dansk on a contested break. 0:44 – POWER PLAY GOAL LAK. 1-0. Brown pots a rebound after 10:10 – PENALTY LAK. Brown for interference. Lizotte tees up Doughty for a one-timer. McFlurry Minute, second preseason game! 8:30 – Good stick check by Eyssimont on Stone ends Vegas zone time. The Original Mikey having an excellent game. 0:17 – Bad Religion’s Greg Hetson shown (and cheered) on the jumbotron. 6:47 – Confident Mario Kempe dangles deep into the offensive zone, but he runs out of some room and has a stuff attempt denied. 0:00 – LAK 1, VGK 0 after two.

5:54 – GOAL VGK. 2-1. One a two-on-two, McKenzie’s centering pass is First Period redirected by Ryan with a one-handed swat past Quick for an own goal. 20:00 – Underway from DTLA. 5:00 – GOAL VGK. 2-2. Stone gets past the LAK defense and stickhandles the puck low, slipping it past Quick while Clague lunges. 19:07 – He didn’t stick the landing, but nice patience and shoulder fake by Anderson to get Karlsson to bite while pressured at the goal line. 4:09 – Eyssimont has some space from the right circle and wires a wrister into Dansk. 17:40 – Vegas defends a promising chance well. Wagner-to-Grundstrom, who was alone in front, but Engelland gets his stick on it. L.A. with good 2:50 – Jimmy Schuldt turning it on. Denies a zone exit on the left side, pace early. nearly beats Quick with a shot above the right circle from the right. 16:20 – Two rapid-fire good looks by Kale Clague denied. As Brown 2:20 – Cody Glass post. Vegas with pressure. circles the net while strong on the puck, Clague activates. Brown hits him, but Dansk stops his quick release as well as the point-blank 0:10 – With Megna draped on him, Toffoli wins a race to a loose puck rebound. and on a very contested break into the offensive zone is able to get a good backhand on net, though Dansk made a left pad save. 14:40 – Duke attempts a big hit on Thomas, who stays strong on his skates and Duke bounces off him, falling to the ice. 0:00 – To overtime. 14:05 – First Golden Knights shot. Good look from McKenzie from the Second Period high slot; pad save, Quick. 20:00 – Let’s go. 12:55 – Mario Kempe strips Karlsson, turns the puck around in the other direction. Nice defensive play. 11:30 – Good forechecking. Iafallo strips Cody Glass (?) on an attempted zone exit but feeds the puck into Kopitar’s skates to end the play. Good aggression.

8:30 – Walker, Fagemo generate quality looks as the Eyssimont- Thomas-Fagemo connection generates zone time down low.

8:05 – Sharp-angle Paul Cotter chance turned aside by Quick.

5:35 – Grundstrom follows up a blocked Kupari shot; Dansk forced into a save. Good job by Kupari staying on the puck while taking it from the perimeter towards the high slot.

3:53 – Good Quick left pad save on Duke’s goal line bid.

3:41 – Mario Kempe diagonal feed to the far post, but Dansk deflects it out of play with his stick before it finds Toffoli for a redirection.

3:21 – Stone stickhandles around Lizotte from the right circle but lifts his backhand over the net. Good chance, nice play.

2:35 – Vegas getting more comfortable in this game.

2:15 – Good Bjornfot defending, but Vegas making plays in the offensive zone. LA had chances to clear but failed and was fortunate they weren’t burned.

0:35 – Doughty one-timner blocked by Tuch; he regains the puck, drives down the left wing, but is denied by Dansk.

0:00 – ~fin~

Pre-game

LAK starters: G Jonathan Quick, D Joakim Ryan, D Drew Doughty, LW Alex Iafallo, Anze Kopitar, RW Dustin Brown

VGK starters: G Oscar Dansk, D Nic Hague, D Nate Schmidt, LW Jonathan Marchessault, C William Karlsson, RW Mark Stone

Referees: #10 Kyle Rehman, #24 Graham Skilliter

Linesmen: #50 Scott Cherrey, #70 Derek Nansen

7:00 p.m.: Looks like tonight’s lineup will be a mix of today’s two skating groups. I’ll have the alignment shortly…

7:10 p.m.: UPDATE

Iafallo-Kopitar-Brown

Grundstrom-Kupari-Wagner

M.Kempe-Lizotte-Toffoli

Eyssimont-Thomas-Fagemo

Ryan-Doughty

Bjornfot-Clague

Anderson-Walker

Quick

Petersen

Kurtis MacDermid also took the ice for warm-ups.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153427 Los Angeles Kings They’ve got some good young players and obviously they’ve got guys like Doughty and Kopitar that can really lead the charge, so I thought if I came in and could help out, get some wins under our belt, it’ll be good.

HUTTON’S ACCLIMATION BEGINS; POSITIVE EVALUATIONS OF Hutton, on what he took from his time in Vancouver: YOUNG PLAYERS It was a good time in Vancouver. They’re the ones that first brought me into this league and kind of shaped me, trying to make me the best player possible. I got to learn how to be a pro from players like Danny and Hank JON ROSEN SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 Sedin, which is always good, and unfortunately we went our separate ways, but that’s the business of hockey, and now I’m here in LA and

couldn’t be happier. MORNING SKATE NOTESMORNING SKATE QUOTES Hutton, on whether his new teammates brought up his viral lip-syncing — Ben Hutton arrived in Los Angeles from Ottawa late Wednesday, and video from a charity event: with how quickly things were moving, didn’t even have enough time to The Barbie Girl? Not yet, not yet. I don’t know if they know about it yet, remove his skates when he met with the media Thursday after his first but I’m sure enough I’ll find out. But, who knows. In a hockey locker skate with his new club. Those first few days in a new organization room, things fly around. It goes good. require being dexterous logistically as one gets up to speed in their surroundings, both inside and well outside the dressing room. It was also Hutton, on injury creating opportunity in Vancouver and necessitating a game day, the preparation of which drew the attention of the coaching versatility: staff while the team’s new defenseman went through his requisite first morning. In Vancouver that was exactly it – there were a lot of injuries, which opened up a ton of ice time. I played with a multiple guys. I think I even “He had a physical, and by the time he was done with that, I shook his played on the right side a couple times just with so many injuries we had. hand, he put his equipment on, and I haven’t seen him since, so how’s But as far as the development in the game, I feel like I turned into a puck- that for a crash course?” Todd McLellan said. “He’ll get a little more moving defenseman who can hold his own in the D zone but also tonight when he comes to the rink – we’ll try and get him caught up with contribute offensively, so I hope I can do that here, too. some of the concepts we’ve worked on, the video work, the language we’re trying to use, but to assume he’s just going to absorb it all at once Hutton, on playing in a warm weather environment for the first time: is virtually impossible.” Growing up in Ottawa and then heading to Maine, it was kind of a similar Scenes are similar across other NHL dressing rooms. With training thing. I didn’t have so many winters in Vancouver – it was more rain. But camps underway, the league’s remaining free agents are returning to here is definitely a change of pace, for sure. I mean, I’ve been here for their teams or assuming one of the few remaining musical chairs on a less than 24 hours, but it’s nice. The weather’s nice. I guess I’m going to club roster, and though there were other suitors this summer, the Kings’ find out soon enough – like, do the guys go to the beach after this? Or, persistence in remaining in touch was an asset as they inked the left-shot what do they do after they take their work hats off? But I’m sure I’ll find 26-year-old minutes-eater to a one-year, $1.5-million contract well out soon enough. beyond the July 1 start of free agency. Hutton, on growing up in Ottawa: “LA was one of the first teams that reached out to me and we chatted a Yeah, I grew up just south of Ottawa in Prescott. I played my juniors lot throughout the summer, and now I’m here,” he said, admitting the there in Ottawa and then I went to Maine for three years and then made process was indeed stressful. the jump to Vancouver and was there for four years, and now I’m here for “Defeinitely stressful,” he said. “Trying to make a decision, find the right my fifth. fit, find the right home. It was going OK midsummer, I was doing the ______same thing as every other player, getting ready for next season, training, skating. More and more players kept going away to camp and then camp More notes from Toyota Sports Performance Center this morning: started, and then I was like uh oh, I’m really stressing out. But I’m here now and I couldn’t be happier.” — Blake Lizotte is getting some deserved camp buzz, and while neither McLellan nor LAKI want to isolate individuals too much in either direction, Todd McLellan, on how far behind Ben Hutton is: the forward’s circumstances do seem awfully similar to Alex Iafallo’s two preseasons ago. Only five days. I think it’s five now, and veteran players that have played in the league, they already have that sense of time and space and nerves That preseason, his outlook went from “destination will be impacted by and what it’s going to feel like to play in a building, so he’s got that under other players’ waiver status” to “probably going to make the team” to his belt already. The big thing for him is getting his personal life in order “starting on a line with Anze Kopitar” rather quickly, and while that sort of here – finding comfort in the community, finding somewhere to live, and emergence represents an improbable, best-realistic-case-possible do all that type of stuff so that’s put aside by the time the regular season scenario and Lizotte has appeared in all of one preseason game, it’s starts. He’s probably behind in that area. The hockey concepts he’ll catch appearing like he’s a guy who’s going to play at this level, perhaps up real quick. quickly.

McLellan, on whether he’ll get Hutton into a game quickly, never mind the “Blake Lizotte’s in this group right now because of his rookie camp and “mistakes”: game [at Arizona],” McLellan said. “It’s as simple as that, he’s getting rewarded and he’s staying in the bigger group. Kempe – Adrian’s brother I think making mistakes is about learning, so he’ll eventually get in. – had a really good night [in Arizona]. He seems hungry, he’s looking to We’ve got to make sure he feels comfortable in his new equipment, his make the team. So, those are positives. But I’m a little bit leery … to start environment and his surroundings. Will that be as soon as Saturday? singling out individuals for good or bad because it’s new for the coaches, Maybe, but certainly next week he’ll be ready to go. it’s new for them. I think at times we’re slowing players down because Ben Hutton, on the “whirlwind” of the last 24 hours: we’re making them think, and at other times maybe they’re just slowing themselves down, but we haven’t quite figured that out yet, and we’ll get Yeah, a whirlwind exactly. Made the decision, jumped on a plane and got there eventually.” in late last night and already skating, meeting all the new guys. But they’ve been good so far. I think every single one of them has been When an evaluation of Tobias Bjornfot and Rasmus Kupari’s first friendly, asking me where I’m from and stuff like that. It was weird – I preseason games was requested, McLellan offered some praise. “I didn’t know any player on this team. Usually in the hockey world you thought they both had an impact on the game. A lot of really good somehow know somebody. Unfortunately, I didn’t, but they made me feel things,” he said. right at home, so it’s good. “Prior to that, I mentioned players allowing themselves or having the Hutton, on why Los Angeles was the right fit for him: confidence to believe they belong, and I think those two showed that, which is a really good start. Obviously, two different positions. I thought Tobias had poise, he defended well, Kupari, in his game, he made some really good plays – offensive looks. They’re both learning how much time and space they have and how much quicker the game is, but that’s called gaining experience, and they’re going through that right now. But at this point they’re happy with both, they seem to be picking up the concepts and keep moving them forward.”

— One other note – Tyler Toffoli wasn’t the only player in the organization McLellan had a fairly good understanding of prior to becoming Head Coach.

While he acknowledged building a relationship with other goalies upon joining the Kings, he was already familiar with Cal Petersen.

“I’ve actually seen Cal a lot more, all the way going back to junior – my son and him played together in Waterloo. A littler more history with him, but that’s a number of years ago now.”

Tyson McLellan appeared in 46 games for the 2013-14 that advanced to the Clark Cup Final, Petersen 38. Did Todd call on his son for any scouting reports? “I don’t think he scored enough on Cal to give me that,” McLellan joked.

— Tonight’s game will be broadcast on NHL Network beginning at 7:30 p.m.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153428 Los Angeles Kings — Alex Faust (@alex_faust) September 19, 2019 LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 09.20.2019

LINE RUSHES VS VEGAS; KOVALCHUK BACK ON SKATES SOON; GAME ON NHL NETWORK

JON ROSENSEPTEMBER 19, 2019

LINEUP CHANGESMORNING SKATE NOTES

The LA Kings face the Vegas Golden Knights at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Staples Center and showed this alignment at today’s morning skate:

Iafallo-Kopitar-Brown

Grundstrom-Amadio-Wagner

M. Kempe-Lizotte-Toffoli

Clifford-Prokhorkin-Lewis

Anderson-Dolan-A. Kempe-Carter

Ryan-Doughty

Martinez-Roy

Bjornfot-Walker

MacDermid-Clague

(Hutton/LaDue)

Quick

Campbell

— I didn’t see Ben Hutton at first but then, there he was, like an El Segundo oasis. I’m not sure if he joined the group late or if my eyes were lazy, but he was wearing #15 and was an extra. How far behind is he? “Only five days,” according to McLellan. “I think it’s five now, and veteran players that have played in the league, they already have that sense of time and space and nerves and what it’s going to feel like to play in a building, so he’s got that under his belt already. The big thing for him is getting his personal life in order here – finding comfort in the community, finding somewhere to live, and do all that type of stuff so that’s put aside by the time the regular season starts. He’s probably behind in that area. The hockey concepts he’ll catch up real quick.” More to come from Todd and Ben.

He’s here! Ben Hutton’s first morning skate scrum as a King. pic.twitter.com/NS9NsI9cte

— Carrlyn Bathe (@CarrlynBathe) September 19, 2019

— Paul LaDue (knee) joined the group late but is expected to get into preseason games, as shared yesterday by McLellan.

— Ilya Kovalchuk’s dealing with something minor. “He’s getting treatments right now and hopefully he’ll be back on the ice in the next day or two,” McLellan said.

— Jonathan Quick left the ice first and is the presumed starter against the Golden Knights. Oscar Dansk will start for Vegas, per Ben Gotz of the Review-Journal.

— Multiple defensive pairs left the ice at the same time, so it wasn’t possible to get clarity on what tonight’s defensive rotation will look like.

— PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE STOP ASKING US. RATHER, GET THIS TATTOOED ON YOUR ARM:

LA Kings preseason TV schedule:

9/19 vs VGK: NHL Network

9/21 vs VAN (SLC): Prime Ticket**

9/23 vs ANA: FS West**

9/25 at ANA: Prime Ticket

9/27 at VGK: NHL Network

**Kings broadcast crew 1153429 Minnesota Wild Staal’s longer locks weren’t planned, but Foligno’s were. “I’ve seen a couple photos over the years. It’s kind of the same haircut,”

Foligno said. “I let my hair grow this year.” The true reveal: Photo day, when the helmets come off, is not taken Matt Dumba has a goal to have a different style in his headshot every lightly by Wild players year but nixed a plan to debut a mustache.

“I didn’t want the Vote for Pedro look,” he said, referencing the “Napoleon By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune Dynamite” character who’s known for that specific type of facial hair.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 — 12:15AM Instead, Dumba added a goatee to his mustache — this after previous snapshots included a beard and braids. This time, he kept his hair short and had his signature diamond studs in his ears.

Zach Parise shaved the previous day. “Guys with the long hair, they’re in front of the mirrors slicking it back, running a comb through it, putting the gel,” Dumba said. “I don’t know Jason Zucker made sure his beard was looking sharp, while Nick Seeler what these guys do. prepped with a haircut. “What do you put in that?” he asks Foligno. “Mayonnaise and olive oil?” Jared Spurgeon checked for bed head, and Eric Staal applied product. “I wake up like this,” Foligno said. “I threw a little gel in this morning to make sure it wasn’t a total rat’s nest,” Staal said.

Usually tucked under a helmet and behind a visor, NHL players’ faces Star Tribune LOADED: 09.20.2019 can be tough to discern from the seats or even a high-definition television when they’re chasing the puck or squirting water into their mouths on the bench.

But their mugs, with or without teeth, are front and center when it’s time to take their official headshot for the season on the first day of training camp.

And while Wild players don’t obsess over their looks, they do care enough to put some effort into an image that’ll identify them to the world for the next year.

“With social media we have now and the way the fans want to connect with us, too, I think it’s just something that you should as an NHL player nowadays just kind of accept that role of wanting to connect with your fans and showing the guy outside the helmet,” winger Marcus Foligno said. “No one can really see what color of eyes we have when we’re going that fast on the ice. But when we can slow it down a bit, you want to catch as much as you can for the fans and it helps the game.”

Commemorating the season with photos is a tradition that follows players through the ranks.

From the peewee days of solo shots bent over a stick that turn into magnets or buttons to the annual group pictures from center ice that decorate the hallways of NHL arenas, preserving each season is a staple of the game.

“My mom has all of them since I was 5 years old,” Staal said. “We’ll do the same for our kids. They’re fun to see.”

Unlike the headshots from youth, players don’t tend to keep copies of their NHL profile pictures, but they’re aware of where they end up — in print, on television broadcasts and maybe even “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” during a game of “Tonight Show Superlatives.”

“It’s going everywhere,” Parise said.

As players made their way to the headshot station on the first day of camp, which was Sept. 12, they planted their feet on either side of a T taped to the floor and posed in front of a gray backdrop while their jerseys were adjusted. They don’t wear equipment underneath.

Four to five pictures were snapped, smiles and glares were equally accepted, and players put their trust in the photographer to get an embarrassment-free shot.

“You know when you’re in a group photo and then usually, no offense but, the girls are like — they get the phone back and say, ‘Oh, that looks terrible,’ and they give it back,” Foligno said. “That’s what I wish I could do, but I’m not doing that.”

Players aren’t always pleased with the final product.

Greg Pateryn thought he looked “a little weird” last season, and Parise remembers a few forgettable avatars from earlier in his career.

“Lucky this was before everything went viral,” he said.

Similar to yearbooks, these photos track how players change from season to season — especially their hairdos. 1153430 Minnesota Wild

Sophomore slump? No worries there, says Wild winger Jordan Greenway

By DANE MIZUTANI | [email protected] | Pioneer Press

PUBLISHED: September 19, 2019 at 11:19 am | UPDATED: September 19, 2019 at 11:19 am

From the moment Jordan Greenway made his NHL debut at age 20, it didn’t take a genius to figure out it was only a matter of time before he was a force to be reckoned with.

Greenway had a six-game cup of coffee to finish out the regular season after leaving Boston University, and just like that was thrown into a playoff series with the rival Winnipeg Jets.

Talk about trial by fire.

The 6-foot-5, 230-pound forward was one of Minnesota’s best players in the series, although the bar was low considering how lifeless the Wild looked in losing the series, 4-1.

That experience was huge for Greenway, and followed it with an impressive rookie campaign, scoring 12 goals and 12 assists last season while spending most of his time in a bottom-six role.

Now 22, Greenway is looking to break out this season, not at all worried about the sophomore slump that tends to plague up-and-comers in all sports from time to time.

“I haven’t really thought about it and I don’t think I can — just have to keep looking forward and focus on being here and being in the moment and getting better every day,” he said. “If I can do that, then it won’t be a problem.”

There’s no doubt Greenway has the skillset to be a monster in the league. He’s shown flashes of brilliance in the fledgling stages, using his hulking size to overpower defenders, and displaying a good set of hands for someone his size.

His biggest problem has been not being able to do either with consistency.

“I think a lot of it is confidence,” said coach Bruce Boudreau, who said Greenway looks bigger than he ever has. “You saw his strength and everything else. You’ve seen it in the scrimmages, that he looks like a different guy. Now we want to see it in the real games.”

Right now, Greenway is playing alongside center Joel Eriksson Ek and opposite Luke Kunin, and while that trio has been impressive throughout training camp, it wouldn’t be a shock if Mikko Koivu assumed the center role at some point.

That would leave Greenway and Kunin opposite each other, which bodes well for both players.

“He knows where I’m at on the ice and we seem to work well together,” Kunin said. “I like what we’ve been doing out there.”

Like most players on the team, Greenway still thinks the Wild can surprise critics and make a playoff run if everything goes according to plan. In that case, Greenway will be ready, especially considering he played nearly 100 games last season between the NHL and AHL.

“It was definitely the most I’ve played in a season for sure,” Greenway said. “It was tiring. It was also exciting. To be in a playoff push like we were here was great, and then going to the Iowa Wild and playing in the playoffs was a great learning experience. I learned a lot from it in regards to the length and what I have to do to prepare for this season. It was kind of like I was preparing for this season all along.”

Pioneer Press LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153431 Montreal Canadiens

In the Habs' Room: Nick Suzuki's strong play being noticed

PAT HICKEY, MONTREAL GAZETTE

Updated: September 19, 2019

Claude Julien said his life would be easier if he had four right wingers like Brendan Gallagher.

“Brendan makes every line he plays on better,” Julien said Thursday after Gallagher scored twice to help the Canadiens to a 5-4 shootout win over the Florida Panthers at the Bell Centre.

Gallagher joined Max Domi and Artturi Lehkonen on the top line and they proved dominant, producing 14 of the Canadiens’ 46 shots. .

“Brendan always plays one way, it’s a certain way,” Julien said. “He doesn’t play two or three different kinds of game. He’s one of those players who succeeds with his work ethic and compete level, but also with his quick release. You look at his shot tonight, that goal from the slot area was on his stick and gone before you knew it. That’s why he’s been scoring 30 goals a year lately.”

Lehkonen is one of the few players who can match Gallagher’s work ethic and he set up both of Gallagher’s goals.

“We still have some work to do, but we’re trying to get better every day,” Lehkonen said. “I just try to play my game. That’s our team identity. We’re a hard-working team, a skating team and we try to play that game for 60 minutes. It’s hard, but it’s the way we have to play.”

There were other players who stood out in the win.

Rookie Nick Suzuki was named the first star, although Jordan Weal was probably the best player on Suzuki’s line. There’s no doubt Suzuki has skill. He set up Weal for a goal with a perfect saucer pass and also kicked off the shootout with a goal. Julien ignored the usual suspects when he made his lineup for the shootout, sending out Suzuki, Weal and Phil Varone and they each scored.

“I had a pretty good idea (what I was going to do),” Suzuki said when asked about his shootout goal.

“I’ve been trying to come down the right side and do a few things off of that. So just lucky that kind of went in.”

Suzuki is one of those players who can play centre or on the wing. He’s been at centre since the start of camp and acquitted himself well in the faceoff circle, wining seven of 13 draws. The question going forward is whether he can win one of the four available spots. Domi, Phillip Danault and Jesperi Kotkaniemi have a lock on three of the spots, while veteran Nate Thompson and rookie Ryan Poehling are also in the mix.

“I think I definitely improved from last game and hopefully I can keep improving as I go along,” Suzuki said. “I know I still have a lot to learn and get more comfortable. But it’s definitely a good step forward.”

The numbers weren’t flattering for Canadiens goaltender Carey Price. He gave up four goals on 18 shots, but the veteran netminder said he wasn’t concerned.

“I’m not worried,” he said after playing a full 65 minutes. It was his second appearance in the pre-season and he’ll probably see action in two of the final three games after the Canadiens trim their roster to NHL size and face teams that are opening-night ready.

That wasn’t the case Thursday as Price was beaten by Owen Tippett, Jonathan Ang and Anthony Greco, three rookies who have played a total of eight NHL games.

Paul Byron left the game after he took a shot to the head from Josh Brown, Julien said Byron was removed from the game as a precaution and an update on his condition is expected Friday.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153432 Montreal Canadiens

Canadiens' Artturi Lehkonen stands out during shootout win over Panthers

PAT HICKEY, MONTREAL GAZETTE

Updated: September 19, 2019

Artturi Lehkonen is making a strong bid for some quality ice time with quality linemates.

Lehkonen has bounced up and down the depth chart over his first two seasons, but his performance in the Canadiens’ 5-4 preseason shootout win over the Florida Panthers Thursday night at the Bell Centre showed that he’s challenging for a top-six role.

He played left wing on a line with Max Domi and Brendan Gallagher and seemed to be the perfect fit. He set up Gallagher for two goals and came close to scoring himself when he went to the net and just missed tipping a feed from Domi.

When training camp opened, Jonathan Drouin was playing with Domi and Lehkonen. Domi and Drouin had some success early last season and it was hoped they could recapture some of that magic. It’s too early to say Drouin has lost his chance to play with Domi, but the guys on the wing Thursday each brought something that Drouin doesn’t. Lehkonen works hard and never gives up in his attempts to get the puck, while Gallagher looks ready for his third consecutive 30-goal season.

Defenceman Brett Kulak is battling to retain his spot in the top four as Jeff Petry’s partner. Newly acquired Ben Chiarot looked solid alongside Petry when these teams met Wednesday in Bathurst, N.B., and Kulak stood out Wednesday playing alongside Josh Brook, who is fighting for a spot on the Canadiens’ crowded blue-line.

Kulak’s poise is his best quality. He seldom gets rattled and, while he lacks Chiarot’s physical skills, he’s efficient on defence. He moves the puck well and has the ability to find the shooting lanes and put pucks on net. He pinched in and converted a saucer pass from Nick Suzuki for a second-period goal that tied the score at 3-3. Kulak registered six shots on goal, matching Gallagher and Lehkonen for the game-high. It will be interesting to see if Kulak gets more time on the power play. Speaking of the power play, it went 0-for-2.

The pass was an example of Suzuki’s skill and he also scored in the shootout, but he has to show more if he expects to start the season in Montreal.

The best player on Suzuki’s line was Jordan Weal, an all-purpose forward who was part of coach Claude Julien’s bottom-six juggling act last season. Weal had a goal and an assist and also scored the shootout winner.

Goaltender Carey Price played the full game and it was difficult to assess his readiness for the start of the season because (a) he didn’t face many shots and (b) he didn’t get a lot of help on the second and third Florida goals. Defenceman Maxim Lamarche coughed up the puck to Anthony Greco on the first goal and Jonathan Ang scored on a breakaway after a stretch pass from Joel Lowry caught Shea Weber and Victor Mete napping. Price gave up three goals on the first eight shots he faced on a night when Montreal outshot the visitors 46-18.

Paul Byron left the game after taking a hit to the head from Josh Brown.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153433 Montreal Canadiens When asked if there’s anything he might do differently if he could go back and relive his first training camp with the Nashville Predators after they selected him in the second round (49th overall) at the 2003 NHL Draft, Weber laughed and said: “That was a long time ago.” Stu Cowan: Drive to improve remains strong for Canadiens' Shea Weber Then, after thinking about the question for a few seconds, he said: “I don’t know. You know what, honestly I went into my first camp not expecting to make it. I just wanted to go there and make the most of my STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE experience. You never know … maybe I could have made it? I felt like I Updated: September 19, 2019 wasn’t ready and maybe that’s something that I would change as a different aspect of approaching it that way. I probably still wouldn’t have made it, but just having that mentality of you never know and pushing for a spot, trying to soak everything up and do everything the right way. But Imagine walking into the Canadiens’ locker room for the first time at at the same time, I don’t know if I really felt that I had a chance to play training camp and seeing Shea Weber — the Man Mountain — sitting my first year.” there. The man has always been a master of modesty. You’d think it would be very intimidating for a young player, but apparently it’s not at all.

“He’s pretty imposing on the ice, but off the ice he’s a really nice guy,” Montreal Gazette LOADED: 09.20.2019 Nick Suzuki said after Thursday’s morning skate in Brossard. “He walked up my first day here last year, he shook my hand and welcomed me to the team. He’s been nothing but great to everyone. You can see why he’s the captain. Just all the leadership and his acceptance of everyone. He’s always talking to everybody.”

This is going to be Weber’s fourth season in Montreal and his second since replacing Max Pacioretty as captain. It’s a job Weber doesn’t take lightly.

“Being a captain here, there’s a rich history of the names of guys before me and it’s definitely an honour,” he said. “Not to say that it wasn’t a huge honour to follow the guys (as captain) in Nashville. But there’s some pretty legendary and Hall of Fame names that I get to follow in their footsteps here, and maybe that’s probably the biggest difference. … The rest of it is pretty much you want to treat it the same with your teammates. In that aspect, you don’t want to make a bigger deal out of it.”

Weber doesn’t like to say much when he speaks with the media and basically refuses to talk about himself. Teammates will sometimes share stories about what he’s like when the media’s not around, such as the invitation to Weber’s home for a barbecue Victor Mete received on his first day of training camp with the Canadiens two years ago as 19-year- old.

Now, they’re regular defence partners.

“He’s taught me a lot,” Mete said recently. “The little things that he teaches me on the ice and off the ice, I think that’s helped me come a long way.”

Weber said the biggest improvement in Mete’s game has been his confidence and ability to use his skating to shut things down in the defensive zone and not be afraid to do it. Mete’s comfort level with Weber obviously has a lot to do with that.

“The biggest thing I want them to realize is that I’m just one of their teammates and we’re going to be working together,” Weber said. “Obviously, everyone’s really respectful and I get that aspect of it. But you want to make them feel comfortable and feel part of our family, which is our team here.”

During the one-on-one interview after Thursday’s morning skate, I tried my best to get Weber to talk about himself and succeeded — well, sort of — when I asked the 34-year-old if he feels he has anything to prove this season after missing the first 24 games last year following foot and knee surgeries.

After a long pause, Weber said: “I mean, I don’t know if people … I don’t know what you mean by that question, something to prove? Obviously, I put a lot of pressure on myself to be the best that I can every year, every game, every day. There’s been constant drive to get better for me every day. So I don’t think that there’s any proving to anyone else other than maybe myself or my teammates that I want to help them win. That’s kind of a tough question to answer because the will to get better and be better every day is still there.”

Weber cracked a smile after I asked him about the last time he felt this healthy.

“I don’t know … I don’t even want to think about that,” he said. “I just feel good and that’s good. I’m excited.” 1153434 Montreal Canadiens Watching from the press box, you could see Kulak’s confidence grow each game last season with the Canadiens after getting called up from the AHL’s Laval Rocket.

Canadiens Game Day: Habs fans gotta love Brendan Gallagher In 57 games with the Canadiens, the defenceman posted 6-11-17 totals and was plus-12. That confidence looks like it’s continuing to grow as Kulak scored a beautiful goal Thursday night on a great pass from Suzuki while driving to the net and also tied for the team lead in shots with six. STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE “I think it’s a little more right now,” Kulak said after the game when asked Updated: September 19, 2019 about his confidence level. “There’s a little more space sometimes in the pre-season. I want to be ready and I had a good summer and worked on a lot of things. I just want to come and play on my toes all the time — you If you’re a Canadiens fan, you gotta love Brendan Gallagher. know what I mean? — and never just kind of take a shift off and feel things out. That’s been my goal and tonight I thought it felt good and I’m Coach Claude Julien just wishes he could clone him. definitely feeling more confident. Just getting lots of ice time and getting Playing in his first pre-season game Thursday night at the Bell Centre, in different roles, playing some penalty-kill and things like that. Getting Gallagher scored two goals as the Canadiens beat the Florida Panthers some different looks and things like that helps my game, too.” 5-4 in a shootout. Jordan Weal and Brett Kulak added singles as the Kulak finished the game with 23:24 of ice time, second only to Shea Canadiens outshot the Panthers 46-17. Carey Price played the whole Weber’s 23:58, while paired with Josh Brook. game in goal and all three shooters — Nick Suzuki, Weal and Phil Varone — scored in the shootout. It’s impressive to watch Kulak find shooting lanes and get the puck on the net. Gallagher played just about all of last season at right wing on a line with centre Phillip Danault and left-winger Tomas Tatar, scoring a team- “Over the last seasons, every level I went up, in the AHL when I started leading 33 goals. Thursday night, Gallagher was on a line with centre there I found it was really hard to get pucks through and then you come Max Domi and left-winger Artturi Lehkonen, taking the right-wing spot to the NHL and it’s even harder,” he said. “That’s guys jobs to block where Jonathan Drouin started training camp. Drouin didn’t dress shots. It’s just a matter of feeling it and trying to get yourself in the lane Thursday night after going pointless in the first two pre-season games. that you want to be shooting in kind of before you even get the puck. Just a matter of always kind of being in motion a little bit, getting ready for the “The thing is is that Brendan plays a certain way,” Julien said after the puck and then trying to find a lane. So I think it’s something I’ve been game. “It’s always one way. He doesn’t play two, three different types of working on, shooting pucks after practice and things like that. If you can games. He plays the same every night and I think any line that ends up get a tip-able puck through within a couple of feet off the ice and forwards with him on it is going to benefit from that.” around the net it creates scoring chances.” Lehkonen assisted on both of Gallagher’s goals and Domi also picked up A friendly battle an assist. Gallagher and Lehkonen both had six shots on goal and Domi had two. On the ice, Suzuki and Ryan Poehling are battling for a job with the Canadiens, quite possibly against each other. “He’s one of those players, his work ethic and compete level, but also you look at his quick release and his shot tonight,” Julien said about Off the ice, they have become good friends. Gallagher. “That goal from the slot area, it was on his stick and gone before you knew it. That’s why he’s scoring 30 goals a year lately and “I wouldn’t say it’s really a competition,” Suzuki said after Thursday’s that’s what he does. But every line benefits from having him on it. So I morning skate in Brossard. “We’ve been hanging out basically every day wish I had four right-wingers that way … that could certainly solve the since we’ve been here. He’s a great guy. We’re really rooting for each problem, right?” other and probably one day we’re going to be playing together. I think both of us really want to make the team and I hope we can do that A coach can dream. together.”

It’s rare you see all three players for one team score in a shootout, but Poehling was given the night off Thursday after setting up Alex Belzile’s the Canadiens did it. game-winning goal in Wednesday night’s 4-3 victory over the Panthers in Bathurst, N.B. With the Canadiens short-handed and just over six “All of them had some really nice goals,” Julien said. “It was fun to minutes left in the third period, Poehling pounced on a loose puck in the watch.” defensive zone, skated hard down the left wing and then made a Suzuki showed some sweet hands on his shootout goal when he came beautiful toe-drag move to get around sliding Panthers defenceman down the right side, cut to the front of the net and then casually flipped Aaron Ekblad before making a nice pass to Belzile, who was going hard the puck over goalie Sam Montembeault’s glove hand, almost in slow to the net and scored. motion. “He looked really good out there,” Suzuki said about Poehling. “I “I’ve been practising a little bit through summer trying to find the best way watched the whole game (on TV). He had a great assist at the end there to do penalty shots,” Suzuki said. “Just video of other guys attempting for the game-winner. So maybe I can do that too, I guess.” them. I worked on it a couple of times.” Suzuki’s shootout goal Thursday night was a pretty good response. One of the players Suzuki likes to watch most on video is former Detroit When asked if this year’s prospects can take inspiration from Jesperi Red Wings star Pavel Datsyuk. Kotkaniemi making the team at training camp last year, Suzuki said: “I “It wasn’t kind of the backhand toe drag move that he used to do, but I think management didn’t really expect him to make the team and do what guess it was kind of close,” Suzuki said about his own shootout goal. he did. But I think I saw it coming. He was playing really well and he definitely forced their hand to pick him for the team. I think all the young Suzuki also had two assists, finished plus-3 and went 7-6 in the faceoff guys here want the same opportunity and if any of us get that shot it’s circle (54 per cent). going to be awesome and hopefully it can be me.”

Byron injured Tough decision ahead?

Paul Byron left the ice in the second period after taking a blow to the Suzuki and/or Poehling could leave Julien with some tough decisions at head on a check delivered by Panthers defenceman Josh Brown and the end of training camp. didn’t return. “They’ve shown signs definitely of keeping an eye on them and “He’ll get evaluated,” Julien said about Byron after the game. “For evaluating them well because if they’re not here, they’re knocking at the precautionary reasons, they didn’t want him coming back. So hopefully door,” Julien said about the two prospects after the morning skate. “But we’ll have more news for you tomorrow.” they haven’t earned their spot yet and I think we got to keep evaluating. Kulak finding the net To me, it’s too early after two pre-season games and each one of them has only played one. So to start saying: Oh, I think they got a spot here, would be unrealistic. That’s what camps are for and that’s what those pre-season games are for. You get tougher competition as you get closer to the opener and that’s sometimes what makes a difference between you feeling that they can play or they still need some time.”

At 6-foot-2 and 204 pounds, Poehling has a size advantage over the 5- foot-11, 201-pound Suzuki. While Poehling is much more comfortable at centre, Suzuki can play centre or wing, which is obviously to his advantage.

“We certainly are aware that we need a good mixture of size and skill,” Julien said. “From Kotkaniemi coming in last year, being over 6-feet tall, and Poehling, same thing. Poehling probably even a little older, a little stronger. That size does matter, but that’s not to take anything away from some of those (other) players. If we put (Brendan) Gallagher on the trade blocks today, you’re going to have 30 teams wanting him. So that just goes to show that these (smaller) guys are important, too.”

After training camp last season, the Canadiens sent Suzuki back to junior, saying they wanted him to work on his quickness and strength.

“He’s done that … he really has done that,” Julien said. “Not only is he stronger, but he’s also quicker and he did really work on his pace. But the biggest thing too is that he agreed. He knew after camp that he needed to bring his pace up. It’s not something like we had to convince him to do. We told him this is what you need to do to be a real effective player at our level. So kudos to him for doing the work to become that.”

Weal keeps impressing

Weal, continues to impress since being acquired from the Arizona Coyotes at last season’s NHL trade deadline in exchange for Michael Chaput. Playing on a line with Suzuki and Byron, Weal had a goal and an assist Thursday night.

“He’s pretty versatile,” Julien said about Weal, who had 4-6-10 totals in 16 games with the Canadiens last season after the trade. “Also, I think everybody kind of knew that when we got him. What he displayed early on was his smarts for the game. He’s a pretty smart hockey player. We thought that when he came and our power play kind of went up a notch, at least, just with him controlling the play and making things happen. Again, it’s not about him being a superstar. It’s about him being a smart and good player. So that’s what we saw in him. It doesn’t take long sometimes to see players doing little things right and then he earns not just the coach’s trust, but all the coaches and upper management just by watching him play.”

Suzuki is enjoying playing on a line with Weal.

“Today at the morning skate we were making a few plays on the two-on- ones,” Suzuki said. “Just getting more opportunity to play with him … he’s really talented and he sees the ice really well. Making plays is what I like to do and just getting the opportunity to play with him a lot is making both of us better right now..”

The Canadiens signed Weal, 27, to a two-year, US$2.8-million contract this summer.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153435 Montreal Canadiens No. 82 in white is Jonathan Ang. On that play, he played the role of the weeds that served as an area to hide.

“Just trying to be invisible there,” Suzuki explained. How comfort is allowing Nick Suzuki to put his greatest assets to use It nearly worked, but the result is not what’s important about that play. It is the vision. Look at the video again and you’ll see Suzuki identify what is happening in the corner right here. By Arpon Basu From there, Suzuki glides a bit, knowing full well the next pass is going to Sep 19, 2019 Josh Brown, No. 2 for the Panthers in front of his own net. But Suzuki also knows that going right at Brown might prevent that pass from ever

happening, which would have its own benefits. But goading someone into The scene Thursday morning in Brossard, following the Canadiens’ making the pass with the intent of picking it off and creating a scoring morning skate: Nick Suzuki is speaking to a crowd of reporters, a big chance had even greater benefits. one, even by Montreal standards. It is something Suzuki does with great regularity, because it is something The stakes here, if it weren’t clear to him by now, would have been made he has done forever. obvious to Suzuki by the attention he was receiving before his second “I try to make them think I’m doing something but I’m thinking something game of this preseason. One night earlier, Ryan Poehling had impressed else,” he explained. “(I’ve been doing it) probably since I was young. I with his play, and now it was Suzuki’s turn to match it against the Florida feel like I have a good understanding of what different players are trying Panthers. to do with the puck. Like, a skilled forward is going to do something “For me personally, it’s time to take that next stride,” Suzuki said. “I got different than a shutdown D, so I think I can see who’s out there and read more comfortable through the red-white game and the preseason game, pretty well what each player’s going to do.” and I think I’m really comfortable right now with where I’m at. I just want Remember Jake Massie? Think Suzuki didn’t know it was Jake Massie to show that I can play against these NHL guys.” when he tried that move? The key word there is “comfortable.” The Suzuki magnet When a hockey player is comfortable, he tries things, things he knows he You want hockey sense? This is almost hockey voodoo. can do but things he might not dare try at this level. Things he would only try if he were comfortable. A scrum along the wall is a very common occurrence in a hockey game. This is what is happening here, as Weal is battling for the puck against Forgetting for a moment that he set up a goal by Jordan Weal a minute two Panthers. The normal instinct here would be to make that situation into the game, this was the moment Suzuki’s comfort became evident, at into a fair fight, create a two-on-two battle for the puck in the hopes your least to me. It came roughly midway through the first period and resulted team might come out with the puck. in Suzuki losing the puck. But it showed skill, imagination and, most importantly for our purposes, comfort. Suzuki doesn’t do that here. Instead, he drifts out into space, Weal somewhat predictably loses the puck battle and Panthers defenceman The defenceman Suzuki was coming in on is Jake Massie, originally a Ethan Prow proceeds to take the puck and put it right on Suzuki’s stick. Carolina Hurricanes sixth-round pick in 2015 who signed with the Panthers in July. Whom Massie is will become important in a bit, but for Voodoo. now what’s important is the move Suzuki attempted to pull off there, trying a crafty chip past Massie before walking around him. Kudos to “I was pretty sure Weal had it,” Suzuki said. “So what I’ve been taught Massie for preventing the second part of that with a good check, but the throughout my whole life is just being in the soft area, trying to find open move itself was indicative of what Suzuki was talking about the morning space in kind of a tight wall play. of the game. “But yeah, it popped right into where I was.” It was indicative of comfort. Here’s something else that fit that What Suzuki did here was not necessarily the right thing to do. It just description. turned out that way. A lot of what makes players effective in hockey Suzuki playing with comfort produces moments where his No. 1 asset, comes down to feel. There isn’t a much better example of hockey feel his brain, becomes most useful. And while there were plenty of times you will find than that. Suzuki made it obvious he has the skill to play in the NHL, skill that he The Suzuki strength displayed because of that comfort, it is his brain that invariably comes up most often when anyone talks about Suzuki’s game. When the Canadiens cut Suzuki and sent him back to junior a year ago, he was given a clear directive: He needed to increase the pace in his Here is just a sample of two postgame comments Thursday: game. “He’s so smart and every time he’s on the ice, something happens.” — His skating has long been seen as Suzuki’s biggest weakness, but that’s Claude Julien. not necessarily what the Canadiens were referring to when it comes to “He’s really good. I think he’s really smart. He looks kind of mature out pace. It is more so a reference to quickness, with his feet and his brain. It there for this level, for someone who hasn’t played pro before. Just his is about making quicker decisions and acting on those decisions more, hockey sense, knowing when to hold on to the puck and make a play and well, decisively. when to get out of it. Things like that. I just think he’s a really smart “He’s done that,” Julien said Thursday morning. “He really has done that. player.” — Brett Kulak, whose goal was set up by Suzuki. Not only is he stronger, but he’s also quicker, he did really work on his So yes, Suzuki is smart, something we couldn’t help but focus on when pace. But the biggest thing is that he agreed. He knew after camp that he we watched him play in the OHL final with Guelph in May, and something needed to bring his pace up. It’s not something that we had to convince that continues to shine through as he attempts to bust down the door to him to do. We told him this is what you have to do to be a real effective the NHL. player at our level, so kudos to him for doing the work to become that.”

This might be getting redundant at this point, but Suzuki displayed all his So pace is one thing, but Julien also mentioned strength. Here is where best qualities against the Panthers, all of which are directly tied to his Suzuki showed that strength against the Panthers. ability to think the game to such an extent that you can sometimes watch Suzuki intentionally creates a battle situation along the wall here, and the him thinking. two players he is going up against — Noel Acciari and Mackenzie The Suzuki lurk Weegar — are legitimate NHL players. Suzuki protects the puck long enough to give his teammates time to get in position, gets the puck to If you go back to that piece on his play in the OHL final, you will see a Paul Byron and the result is a marvellous scoring opportunity for Kulak. focus on Suzuki’s tendency to lurk on the ice, how he finds dead areas to hide in the weeds and pounce. He did it consistently in junior. This was a The Suzuki reality prime example of how he could do it in the NHL. He has been very impressive, but a lot of the names here are a tell as to what Suzuki needs to do next. Massie. Brown. Ang.

As the preseason progresses, Suzuki will need to show he can do these things against legitimate NHL players.

There is no guarantee he will make the team because he has yet to do that. Showing confidence against Massie is one thing, it is quite another to try the same move against Aaron Ekblad.

Suzuki can’t be penalized for the quality of competition he has been asked to face. He can only be judged on how he has performed against that competition.

But one thing that can be guaranteed at this point is Suzuki has earned the opportunity to do so, to test himself against more NHL-heavy lineups later in camp. To do that after his second preseason game is an accomplishment unto itself he can be proud about.

The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153436 Montreal Canadiens just OK. And the same can be said about his performance against the Panthers. It was just OK, but that’s OK. OK? OK!

He had a few intense puck battles in his own zone, some of them Bubble Report: Nick Suzuki makes a serious push for a roster spot resulting in a lost puck, but he never panicked and quickly recovered with smart defensive positioning. He made several nice breakout passes while under heavy pressure, though none of them were over-ambitious, which can be an issue for Brook. By Marc Dumont He held the blue line in the offensive zone on several occasions, but Sep 19, 2019 more importantly, he stopped many Panthers rushes by displaying good gap control at his own blue line. And finally, he did help out offensively, but he did so when the opportunity presented itself, rather than forcing When the week started, the Canadiens had seven games left on their the issue. preseason schedule. Plenty of time for key youngsters to make an impression. But following the conclusion of the Canadiens’ 5-4 shootout It wasn’t a flashy game for Brook, but it was a very solid game, and that’s win over the Panthers on Thursday night, there were just four games left exactly what he needs at the moment. on the preseason schedule. Quick hits: Tick, tock. While Alex Belzile was on the ice the Canadiens controlled 90.9 percent While some, myself included, find the preseason schedule to be much of the shots. Preseason be damned, that’s impressive. So is Belzile’s too lengthy, for prospects attempting to earn a roster spot it must feel like performance in camp so far. a blur. Every time I shake my hand vigorously at clouds, another Victor Mete did a very good job of protecting his own zone from rushes. prospect’s NHL aspirations are temporarily put on hold. Rather than giving up free real estate to oncoming forwards, which Making most of the opportunities is the name of the game, because the happened quite often last season, he showed a lot more aggressiveness herd is going to thin out in a hurry. Ryan Poehling did his best to stand at the blue line. out in the dust devil that is training camp one night earlier in Bathurst, Brett Kulak is already in mid-season form. We’ll have to keep an eye on a N.B., and it was up to Nick Suzuki to write the next chapter in the great potential regression this season, but as it stands, he seems poised to prospect job hunt. improve upon his great 2019-20 season. He didn’t disappoint. I thought Brendan Gallagher was going to burst a forehead vein during Let’s dive right in. the intrasquad scrimmage last Sunday. Those kind of events definitely aren’t kind to players like Ben Chiarot, but for Gallagher, having to hold Suzuki showed flashes of his immense talent on Monday night against back is pure torture. He scored twice against the Panthers, which should the Devils, but he struggled to keep his feet moving when he wasn’t scratch that itch for now. directly involved in a play, which limited his scoring chances. There are a finite opportunities for these young players to make their mark, and while Shea Weber looks healthy. I know that’s not exactly hard-hitting analysis, Suzuki didn’t disappoint in his first taste of preseason action, he definitely but when he’s at 100 percent he has the ability to completely change the didn’t blow anyone away. Canadiens’ offensive structure by adding another element to the mix at 5- on-5. In fact, I think he’s a much more useful player offensively 5-on-5 Against the Panthers he flipped the script, displaying more work ethic, compared to the power play, but that’s a system issue rather than a speed, elusiveness and creativity than we’ve seen from him since the player issue. Against the Panthers, he was the catalyst for several high- start of development camp in late June. danger opportunities.

Claude Julien decided to play him on a line with Jordan Weal and Paul Going into camp there was a lot of hype surrounding these rookies. Byron, a clever way to ensure Suzuki would quickly look out of place if he Almost too much. dared to stop skating. It paid off, as it took just one shift for Suzuki to hit the scoresheet, setting up Weal to give the Canadiens an early 1-0 lead. But in a sense, it was an appropriate amount of attention. Sam Montembeault was caught cheating by Weal, which was partly due After all, a lot is riding on the next crop of prospects and their proper to the threat of Suzuki driving the net. development. Dare I say, it’s what will make or break the Canadiens He followed it up by drawing a penalty on his very next shift, which, like franchise for the next decade or so. the opening goal, was helped along by Suzuki’s willingness to skate hard It’s still way too early to project either Suzuki or Poehling, or even Jake regardless of the situation. Evans or Cale Fleury on the Canadiens’ opening roster, and despite their Suzuki’s excellent opening 60 seconds set the tone for the rest of the best efforts they may not be able to earn a position in the lineup, but they night, including another excellent scoring play where Suzuki was the have lived up to the expectations, which were sky-high. catalyst. Brett Kulak couldn’t have asked for a better pass from a tired That’s an indication of a healthy crop of prospects. A crop that is well on Suzuki, who had been on the ice for more than a minute at that point. its way to taking the next step. With two assists, Suzuki was well on his way to making a strong impression, though it was the details in his play that really solidified his bid to earn a roster spot. He created several turnovers, half of them in the The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 neutral zone, displaying great defensive positioning and an ability to quickly transition defence into offence, which is the meat and potatoes of the Canadiens’ system. He was solid in the faceoff circle, dangled a few opponents, closed the gap quickly when defending and reacted well to adversity.

Speaking of adversity, there was a play that took place shortly before Kulak’s goal that probably caught the coaching staff’s attention. It certainly caught mine. It started out by looking like an overambitious rush by Suzuki, but he immediately got up after being hit by both Panthers and joined the forecheck, forcing a turnover deep behind the Panthers net.

Sustained effort leading directly to a goal? That’s Claude Julien’s music!

To top off his great night, he scored an elite-level goal in the shootout.

Josh Brook was given a lot of attention for his subpar performance against the Devils, though subpar is probably a harsh evaluation. He was 1153437 Montreal Canadiens HockeyViz, Honka made a positive impact on both the offensive and defensive zone shot rates in the last two years.

Whenever Honka has been on the ice, the Stars have allowed fewer Why a Julius Honka trade could make a lot of sense for the Canadiens shots and have created more shots and scoring chances relative to the team average. But the same cannot be said about Honka’s goal share in his three years in the league, which, when compared to his teammates, plunges into negative territory. By Marc Dumont Why is a player that makes a positive impact on the shot share creating Sep 19, 2019 such a drag on his team’s ability to control goals? It’s a red flag, especially given that Honka’s zone starts skew heavily toward the offensive zone. The preseason rumour mill continues to spin and grind. Earlier this week Sportsnet reported the Canadiens were among the teams poking around One answer may be his penchant for giveaways. Of course, giveaways in on Dallas Stars defenceman Julius Honka. themselves aren’t necessarily a bad thing. The more you control the puck, the more you are likely to lose it. This is the sort of thing that tends to happen when a player demands a trade, as Honka apparently did on the eve of training camp. The 2014 For example, Jeff Petry, who slowly yet surely took over No.1 first-rounder turns 24 in December and despite playing 42 games in defenceman duties last season, finished the year with one of the highest 2017-18, he saw that number drop to only 29 games last season. giveaway ratios in the league. But as per usual, context is key. Petry is a puck-moving defenceman who plays heavy minutes against the league’s Like many young players struggling to earn a spot, Honka is looking best opponents. around and seeing greener grass away from Dallas. Honka is also a puck-moving defenceman, and a gifted one. On the other At first glance, Montreal doesn’t seem like a logical landing spot for the hand, coaches have tended to limit his ice time; he averaged just over 12 right-shooting defenceman. Jeff Petry and Shea Weber are the and a half minutes of ice time per game last season, usually on the third mainstays on the right side, with Christian Folin, Noah Juulsen, Cale pairing, with the exception of the few games he spent playing in the top Fleury and Josh Brook fighting for the remaining roster spot on the third four due to John Klingberg’s injury. He shouldn’t be creating more pairing. turnovers than players like Brent Burns, Morgan Rielly and P.K. Subban.

But given the muddied waters that surround the available spot, there’s Speaking of Klingberg, during his absence, Honka’s minutes saw a slight seemingly an opening to fill. increase from mid-November to mid-December, and the underlying numbers took a nosedive, especially in terms of overall shot share (47 All well and good. But why should the Canadiens want Honka? Let’s walk percent). through this. The good news is the Canadiens wouldn’t be acquiring Honka to play in The first thing to consider is the asking price. According to my colleague the top four. He would be destined for 12 or 13 minutes a night on the Sean Shapiro, The Athletic’s man in Big D, Honka’s trade value is in the third pairing, playing with someone like Brett Kulak, who has managed to mid-round draft pick range. Shapiro explained that Honka was on the improve the underlying numbers of every single defensive partner he’s market all summer with an economical third-round pick price tag, and yet, played with since his arrival in Montreal. there were no takers. But regardless of who Kulak would be paired with, no defensive partner Some pundits have stated the belief the Canadiens would prefer to send can completely prevent defensive miscues and giveaways, which seems a player to Dallas for Honka, whereas the Stars would rather receive a to be the crux of the criticism aimed toward Honka. draft pick, an ask that other teams, including Carolina, may be willing to meet. When reviewing the footage, it becomes abundantly clear that Honka is not a defensive specialist. He likes to drive the puck up the ice whenever It makes sense that Marc Bergevin would prefer to ship a warm body possible, though he has a hard time picking his spots. Often the back in the deal, rather than the pick the Stars are seeking. Bergevin opportunity to play the puck ends up being a mirage, and Honka (No. 6) does not like trading away draft picks. is caught in no-man’s land without a drop of water to quench his Since taking over as GM in 2012, he has made 62 trades, 31 of them offensive thirst. involving draft picks. He has rarely traded away high early picks, though It’s not Honka’s aggressiveness that stands out in the example I used, he did make an exception for three trades which included second-round though he did seem alarmingly lackadaisical when Mattias Janmark sent picks for Jeff Petry, Thomas Vanek and Jonathan Drouin. The second- him a low-percentage pass. Once the turnover occurs, Honka is slow to round pick that was originally included in the Drouin trade was returned, return to the defensive zone and he fails to recognize the switch that took seeing as Mikhail Sergachev played 79 games the following season. place due to him being out of position. As the Stars scramble to defend, But lately, Bergevin has held on to his draft picks tighter than Harpagon Honka then neglects both his previous assignment and his new one. I clutching his pot of gold in Molière’s L’Avare (look it up, Philistines). didn’t come across a large number of defensive miscues, though the ones I did find were of the very noticeable variety, which may be why Since the start of the 2017 season, the Canadiens have sent a grand most of Honka’s coaches have had an issue with his game since he’s total of three draft picks the other way in trades: a fifth-round pick for turned pro. Mike Reilly, a fourth-round pick in the Nate Thompson trade (though the Canadiens did receive a fifth-round pick in that deal) and a seventh- There are a hundred variables to consider, including whether Honka’s round pick in the Andrew Shaw deal, though two higher picks were style of play was a fit for the Dallas system and the individual likes and acquired in that trade. So, essentially, we’re talking about one draft pick dislikes of the three coaches that have graced the Dallas bench over the used as currency on the trade market. For what it’s worth, in that time last few years. Given the Stars employ Miro Heiskanen on their top frame, Bergevin has acquired 13 draft picks, including three second- pairing, it’s fair to assume the organization doesn’t mind when a young, round picks. mobile defenceman takes risks, provided the good outweighs the bad.

Though the cost for Honka is likely to be reasonable, it makes sense that More crucially, is Honka’s style a fit with the Canadiens’ style of play? He Bergevin wants to stick to the plan and keep stockpiling draft picks. Not plays an up-tempo game with a focus on creating offence from the back to mention the Canadiens currently have signed 48 of their allotted 50 end, and that fits the modus operandi of most Canadiens blueliners. The NHL contracts. They tend to avoid hitting the maximum, additional giveaways and defensive miscues, however, do not. motivation to send a player back in any potential deal. Honka would provide the Canadiens with a longer grace period when it We’re not dealing with a gigantic sample size, but Honka has played over comes to graduating their current crop of right-shooting defensive 1,000 5-on-5 minutes in the NHL over the last three years, which gives prospects, including the now-injured Juulsen, who is dealing with us a reasonable quantity of data to judge his performance. headaches following his recovery from a serious eye injury.

Overall he’s held his own, finishing with a positive relative shot share in Fleury and Brook are on the cusp, but giving them more time to develop all three seasons with the Stars. As you can see, according to in the AHL, where mistakes are not only forgiven but expected, could be a very wise, albeit conservative approach. Statistically speaking, Honka’s also much better than Christian Folin, who is four years his elder but has much more experience playing in the NHL.

The cost is reasonable, especially if the Canadiens can convince the Stars to take back one of their own players looking for a fresh start. Charles Hudon fits that bill, and given his low cap hit, he also fits the Stars’ salary cap situation.

But we must remember that the reason the cost would be so low is that it aligns with the reward, which isn’t particularly high either. Honka wouldn’t be a saviour in Montreal. But, for the time being, and as long as he accepts a reasonable contract, a trade could be mutually beneficial for both the team and the player, especially when you consider the potential results defensive coach Luke Richardson could achieve if he’s given the opportunity to work with the young Finn.

And like Marc Bergevin always says, you can never have enough defencemen, although, given his recent history, it may be time to change that saying to, “You can never have enough Finns.”

The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153438 Montreal Canadiens But was that just a one-off circumstance? Let’s check the previous season.

Once again, the goalies from Group 2 are the ones who missed the Examining whether it makes sense to ease Carey Price’s workload playoffs the most. But it’s interesting to consider the performances from the Group 1 guys. They were decent last year, but even better two years ago.

By Marc Antoine Godin When it comes to fretting over the possibility of a goalie running out of gas in the post-season, the most-cited example is usually that of Sergei Sep 19, 2019 Bobrovsky, a perennial Group 1 member that the Columbus Blue Jackets had a habit of riding hard . . . right until he started under-performing in the playoffs. When Keith Kinkaid officially launches his Canadiens tenure, he will become the sixth backup to Carey Price in the last seven years. When you look at the last five seasons, Price played a total of 16 times on back-to-back nights. By comparison, Bobrovsky suited up for 39. Last The Montreal braintrust plainly hopes his arrival will allow Price to get year, Bobrovsky played on consecutive nights six times; he was once more rest; this past summer goaltending coach Stéphane Waite again among the most-used goalies in the NHL, yet he had a much better suggested that in a perfect world Kinkaid would start about 25 games. showing in the playoffs. Was it a simple anomaly? Was it the result of having a better team in front him? Contract year? But is that likely to happen? Scaling Price’s workload back has become a recurring theme in recent seasons; it’s basically the Canadiens’ well- Since 2013-14, the first year the statistic was officially compiled, Price intentioned but quickly forgotten New Year’s resolution, only they make it has never played as many back-to-back games as he did last season. In in September. the five seasons leading up to 2018-19, he never played in more than three. Last year, he played as many as Bobrovsky: six. Yet it’s been “We’ll see,” said Price. “We talk about this every year, it seems. It’s kind standard practice for years in the Canadiens organisation, whether under of situational and it’s a long season. I’ll just kind of play it week by week.” Pierre Groulx or Waite, to hand one of those games to the backup. The situational aspect Price references isn’t just a function of the more If Montreal truly plans to give Kinkaid 25 starts, the number of back-to- crowded portions of the Canadiens’ schedule. Decisions must also be back games Price plays should fall precipitously. But it will only matter if made in consideration of the club’s position in the standings and of its the team is good enough to not require putting Price in the crease every general play. If points scraped together in November are just as night to keep its collective nostrils above the water line. important as those won in March –and they are – what will the Canadiens decide if they’re trying to stop a losing skid? Or if the offence is stalled For years now, the dominant league trend has been to reduce goaltender and there’s mounting strain on the blue line? Or if it’s a proverbial ‘four- workloads. A decade ago, more than six goalies logged more than 70 point game’ against a divisional opponent on the back end of a back-to- starts, an unimaginable number in today’s NHL. The trend was a major back? Will the Canadiens refuse to budge from the original plan by talking point last season, even if the 10 most-used goalies in 2017-18 saying “sorry, this is a Kinkaid night” or will they succumb to temptation had considerable success. and maximize the odds of winning in the moment? We’ll come back to some of the numbers in the chart above, what’s Relatedly, how keen is management to deal with the outcry if Kinkaid important to note for now is that two years ago every tier played more were to fall short in key games that could (or should) have been handed minutes on average than last year, and that the statistical impact of the to the No. 1 on a megabucks contract? most-used goalies was appreciably greater. Sure, the total number of goals was up last season, but the way Group 1 set itself apart two Price’s health and the team’s long-term investment in him are both seasons ago is nonetheless noteworthy. factors that nudge the organization in the direction of managing his workload. Perhaps those twin motivations may even be enough to Turning to last season, we observe broadly similar results among the 31 convince the team to give him fewer starts. But if the play/don’t play most-used goalies. Group 2 turned in the best performance, but the decision is at least partly inspired by what happens elsewhere, it’s worth margin is tiny. It’s also worth noting Price distinguished himself among taking a closer look at both utilization and results around the league. the Group 1 goalies with a .918 save percentage.

Thus, we’ve broken the 31 goalies who started the most games last Our research also reveals that two seasons ago the 10 most-used season into three distinct groups. The 10 goalies in the first grouping goalies had more trouble than their peers maintaining their level of play were the NHL’s busiest, having started an average of 61 games over their final 10 starts. Andrei Vasilevskiy torpedoed Group 1’s stats (Minnesota’s Devan Dubnyk led the way with 66 starts, Price followed almost single-handedly; it’s no surprise his workload was substantially closely with 64). The next 10 goalies averaged 51 starts, and the final tier curtailed the following season. of 11 started 41 games, on average. Last season, on the other hand, the 10 most-used goalies put up better One of the main reasons, if not the main reason, to avoid over-burdening save percentage numbers in their final 10 starts than they had over the the number one goalie is to keep him fresh enough to be able to perform course of the season. The only goalie who suffered a measurable drop at at his best in the playoffs. But exactly how far can, or should, a team go the tail end of the regular season was Frederik Andersen of the Toronto in trying to preserve their goalies? Maple Leafs. He also had a similar, but far lesser, dip the previous season. It’s no coincidence Andersen is also talking openly about limiting Last season, the goalies from Group 3 clearly enhoyed the most success his workload to roughly 55 starts this coming season. Given the Leafs are in the playoffs. The Stanley Cup Final featured a matchup between a likely to employ Michael Hutchinson as his understudy, that might be an third group guy (Tuukka Rask) and a goalie who didn’t play enough optimistic number. games to qualify for any of the starter tiers (). The table also includes GSAA, or goals saved above average. InGoal Both goalies were relatively fresh, although Binnington was very busy magazine provided a handy overview of the formula a few years back, during the second half of the regular season. Now, we should point out which also summarizes its advantages and downsides: You take the that several of the goalies in the third group would have been in at least league’s average save percentage and apply it to the amount of shots a the second were it not for injuries. There’s Rask, of course, but also Ben particular goalie has faced. You get a number of goals that the average Bishop and Corey Crawford. The teams who chose to ice an honest to goalie in that league would have surrendered if they faced the same goodness goalie tandem (the Islanders, Flames, Hurricanes, etc.) were number of shots as the goaltender in question. That number gets few in number. compared to the number of goals surrendered by that goaltender, and a Are those results, in and of themselves, enough to convince the plus/minus is created. If a goalie is in the positive, that is how many goals Canadiens to slash Price’s starts? Well, no. they have saved compared to a league-average goalie. If they are in the negative, then it is safe to assume that they are performing worse than Carey Price will never be a Group 3 goalie. In realistic terms, the team’s how a league-average goaltender would perform in the same situation. wish would be to slide him down to Group 2, which didn’t exactly set the world on fire in the playoffs last year. The goalies in that group were the Once again, the goalies from Group 1 lag slightly behind their brethren in most likely to miss the playoffs, and none made it as far as the Group 2, but the difference is nothing compared to the spread with the Conference Finals. least solicited of the league’s top-31 starting netminders. The GSAA figure provides an eloquent illustration of what transpired in Price’s 2018-19 season. It’s oft-stated it was a season in two acts, and that his return to dominance coincided with Shea Weber’s return from injury. Fact check: true! In the first two months of the schedule, Price put up an .897 save percentage and a -6.20 GSAA. From Dec. 1 onward, those figures jumped to .925 and 21.02, respectively. Based on the full season, his GSAA differential relative to league average was still the best among Group 1 goalies.

In order to measure the relative consistency of goalies across the three tiers, we also calculated the average rate of ‘quality starts’. That’s a concept we owe to hockey analyst Rob Vollman, who defines a quality start as a game in which a goaltender posts a save percentage that’s better than league average for the season (.910 in 2018-19), or above .885 when facing 20 shots or less.

Once again there is no difference to speak of between the goalies in the first two groups. When you get to Group 3, the drop-off becomes more significant.

In 2018-19, the latter category included goalies who put up truly exceptional seasons, beginning with Vézina finalists Bishop and Robin Lehner. It also captured others who dragged the overall performance downward like Jonathan Quick, Jake Allen and . . . Kinkaid.

There is nothing in the numbers that points to an ideal number of starts for an NHL goalie. But aside from two exceptions (Vasilevskiy two years ago and Andersen last year) nor is there anything in the stats that serves as a red flag against using a goaltender too much. At worst, the goalies in Group 1 perform similarly to Group 2; at best, the Group 1 crew tend to help their team go a little deeper into the post-season.

Might it be worthwhile to cut Price’s workload for injury prevention’s sake and to at least try to increase his longevity? Sure. Do the results from around the league support the idea it’s something that has to be done? Not so much.

For a many years, the objective of reducing the team’s overall dependency on Carey Price was something of a forgotten one in the Canadiens’ executive suite. That’s led to a situation where the club is embarking on a new season with the stated, and legitimate, aim of preserving Price so he can still be effective in the coming year. The difficulty is they’re trying to do it by putting a team in front of Price that appears no closer to breaking out of the dense middle of a peloton the Canadiens have lived in for essentially his entire career.

If the club is to give its star netminder the gift of separating from the pack, it will have to happen sooner rather later. Thus, it will be up to Kinkaid to be better than the average goalie if the Canadiens are to truly take advantage of added rest for Price.

“Whatever they need me for, I’m ready,” Kinkaid said. “I played 41 games each year, whether they need me that much or less, I’m just here to get the wins for the team and be the best for the team out there.

“I guess you get a little more practice when you play 20. And you get to work on more technical things, on more things in your game, or else if you’re playing almost every day, or every other day, you’re just lightening your workload just to get into the games, so it’s kind of tough to work on your technique. That will be a key for me being the backup this year.”

The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153439 Nashville Predators work with these guys every day, it does a lot for confidence. When you come back to camp, that confidence can show through on players."

PK Subban left impression on Rem Pitlick, who's trying to make Tennessean LOADED: 09.20.2019 impression on Predators

Paul Skrbina, Nashville Tennessean

Published 5:00 a.m. CT Sept. 19, 2019

Rem Pitlick dabbed his blue sweater against his busted-open, bloody bottom lip.

The Predators rookie forward had finally caught his breath Wednesday after a spirited scrimmage at Centennial Sportsplex.

"I got an elbow, whatever," the 22-year-old said, shrugging off the sore.

Pitlick is here trying to make a name for himself. Trying to be a pain when it comes to Predators coaches making decisions about who will stay and who will go before the regular season begins Oct. 3 against the Wild.

He's one of several forwards --- including Daniel Carr, Eeli Tolvanen and Anthony Richard -- vying one of the final forward spots.

So far, so good for the man with one game -- 9 minutes, 43 seconds, to be exact -- of NHL experience.

"The time he spent with us last year has served him well," Predators general manager David Poile said.

Pitlick didn't dent the score sheet in that game against the Wild on March 25. But the memories attached to it have a home in the safety deposit box in Pitlick's head.

Friends and family in a group text after that game couldn't get over the fact that Pitlick quickly became part of P.K. Subban's pregame routine.

Pitlick couldn't get over the story Subban told him about his first NHL game, when Subban challenged known tough guy Chris Pronger, who responded in kind by telling Subban he had bad breath.

"We all look up to P.K.. He’s an amazing player. It was so cool to be on the ice with him," Pitlick said. "I was giving him one-timers as part of his little routine at the end of warmups.

"I don't know if he as lying or not, but he was telling me Chris Pronger tried to rock him and he ducked and Pronger went flying into the boards. I don’t know if that’s true. P.K. likes to joke around. But I thought that was pretty funny."

While Subban left quite an impression on Pitlick, Pitlick is the one trying to make an impression on the Predators during training camp.

He knows it would behoove him to use his brains -- not brawn -- if he wants to make it in this league, where his father Lance Pitlick played for eight seasons and his cousin Tyler Pitlick suits up for the Stars.

"I've always tried to learn," he said. "Once you think you're done learning, you’re usually done."

He knows that learning may continue in Milwaukee and the AHL. He's done his homework. His father and his cousin both have given him advice.

"The common thread is there's no teacher in life like experience," said Pitlick, who was picked by the Predators in the third round of the 2016 draft. "You can drive yourself nuts thinking about different scenarios. … It's just 1 percent better every day. Whatever path life takes me, I'm going to make the best of that."

Predators coach Peter Laviolette said he was impressed with Pitlick's play during the prospect tournament earlier this month. He said Pitlick has gotten over the infant stages of being starstruck.

He said the opportunity for Pitlick to absorb NHL life last season will do nothing but good going forward for the forward.

"When you get in there and go to work with them for a week you find out they’re just hockey players -- good guys, good people to hang out with," Laviolette said. "When you get to be here for two weeks, a month ... and 1153440 Nashville Predators now. We’re going to roll through some people. It would be great if it was Kyle.”

There’s also a chance Turris returns to his natural position in a third-line Is playing Kyle Turris on the wing a good or bad idea for the Predators? role. In theory, with Johansen and Duchene commanding the attention of opposing top lines and shutdown pairs, Turris, already one of the most sheltered forwards in the NHL, would draw easier matchups at five-on- five. His potential linemates, however, would be less skilled, and he could By Adam Vingan struggle to produce as a result. Sep 19, 2019 “We could be dynamite with three lines with Kyle being one of the three centers,” Predators general manager David Poile said. “We haven’t had three centers like that with (those) offensive capabilities. On the other Kyle Turris couldn’t remember the last time he played wing. He paused to hand, that’s a very coveted spot to play on the left wing with (Johansen) think about it, recalling “spots here and there” when he lined up there, but and (Arvidsson) if Peter (Laviolette) decides to play (Forsberg) with nothing more than that. Duchene like he had (during the first practice). I think it’s a new opportunity for Kyle, and I think this experimentation is just going to be It’s why the sight of Turris skating alongside Ryan Johansen and Viktor part of training camp.” Arvidsson on the first day of practice was noteworthy. The wing on one of the Predators’ top two lines is probably the best spot Without rehashing the details of Turris’ 2018-19 season from hell, he for Turris. Regardless of which position he plays, though, the Predators enters this year at a career crossroads, and the addition of Matt Duchene need him to regain his form. Frankly, they don’t have much choice but to eliminates the second-line center position as a potential landing spot for make it work. Turris in the Predators’ lineup. That leaves the wing as his only option to remain in the top six. “We’ve talked a lot about it, and Kyle would be the first to admit that he didn’t have the year he wanted to have,” Poile said. “Kyle needs to be “It’s something I’m excited about,” Turris said. “It’s a new opportunity and what he was when we first traded for him. If he gets back to that level something I’m looking forward to taking advantage of.” again, I don’t care where we play him. It’s going to be great for our team.” There are benefits to moving Turris to the wing, where he’d have fewer TOI: Time on ice responsibilities and more opportunity to score. Turris, who had three seasons of 20-plus goals with the Ottawa Senators, possesses strong GF%: Goal percentage shooting ability, something he hasn’t put to much use since being traded to the Predators. As depicted in the chart below from Micah Blake xGF%: Expected goal percentage McCurdy, Turris’ influence on his team’s offense, both individually and SCF%: Scoring chance percentage overall, has been positive, even after last season. HDCF%: High danger shot attempt percentage “I think going from center to wing is easier than going from wing to center,” said Duchene, who has experience on the wing. “At center, you’ve just got a lot more going on out there than on the wing. (Turris) is a really talented player and great shooter, so I think he’s a guy that could The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 really thrive there.

“I find you can be more of a shooter because you come into pucks when they’re kind of loose. As a centerman, a lot of the time, you’re the guy distributing. I found I scored a lot more goals actually shooting the puck rather than around the net like I do when I’m playing center. A guy like (Turris) that’s got that shot that he’s got, I think that could really go well for him. We’ve got so many great centermen that we’ll be able to find him and let him do his thing.”

Turris practicing once with Johansen and Arvidsson doesn’t mean they’ll be linemates when the regular season starts; Predators coach Peter Laviolette knows what he has in Johansen, Arvidsson and Filip Forsberg, so they don’t need to be together during training camp. But the possibility of them being separated, a touchy subject for portions of the Predators’ fan base, is worth discussing.

Imagine for a moment that the members of the Predators’ dynamic top line are Power Rangers. Together, they’re Megazord. Apart, they’re still impactful, but not to the same degree.

COMBINATION (2016-19) TOI GF% xGF% SCF% HDCF%

Forsberg-Johansen-Arvidsson 1,549:58 60.65 55.06 55.03 53.98

Forsberg without Johansen-Arvidsson 563:22 51.06 49.34 47.12 46.15

Johansen-Arvidsson without Forsberg 698:46 44.64 46.41 47.63 44.98

Source: Natural Stat Trick

Granted, if the Predators were to split Forsberg from Johansen and Arvidsson, he’d be with Duchene and presumably Mikael Granlund, a combination with great potential. But would it benefit the Predators to break up one of the NHL’s most statistically dominant lines in an attempt to get Turris going?

“We’re still trying to find the fit,” Laviolette said. “Kyle’s going to get an opportunity, but other players are going to get the opportunity to jump up there and take down some minutes. That’s the position that’s open right 1153441 New Jersey Devils

Devils’ John Hynes gives blunt assessment of training camp so far: ‘Some guys are getting outplayed’

Updated Sep 19, 5:04 PM; Posted Sep 19, 4:58 PM

By Chris Ryan

At the start of an NHL training camp, whether it be for the Devils or any of the other 30 NHL teams, there’s a preconceived notion about the established group of returning players, and their inclusion on the final NHL roster is assumed to be a given.

The Devils have plenty of returning players in that boat, but perhaps not as many as you would expect.

Based on what he’s seen in the first week of training camp, Devils coach John Hynes has been forced to think hard about some of the decisions he’ll have to make in the coming weeks. Prospects battling to make the cut have put a strong foot forward, to the point where all returning NHL players might not be safe.

“There’s certainly a heavy competition for guys that are kind of on the bubble to make it,” Hynes said. “I think a lot of those players have showed well. I think the biggest thing now is the players that may think they’re on the team or are on the team. Where are they going to play? And what are they doing to play in maybe the roles that they think they should play in? I think that’s a heavy battle. And that’s going to get to the nitty gritty here this weekend and into next week, of maybe the ‘one-way contracted NHL players that are on the team.’ Where are they gonna play? And who’s earning roles on that. Who’s earning ice time there?

“I see guys in the camp that maybe we didn’t expect to be on the team, but guys that think they’re on the team, some guys are getting outplayed.”

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Hynes didn’t name any specific players in either category, but his words made one thing perfectly clear: The Devils’ final roster will be composed of the 23 players that earn the spots, regardless of what each individual’s role or situation was in the past.

The Devils have just under two weeks before they must cut their roster down to 23 players, and there’s still a lot to be determined for Hynes and the coaching staff during that time. The final four preseason games will go a long way toward making those decisions.

At this point, Hynes made it clear every player needs to prove himself in order to earn a spot on the team and a desired role.

“There’s been a lot of very strong performances,” Hynes said. “And I think probably for the first time since we’ve been here, guys that may be perceived as, this is their role or their job or they’re on the team, they’re getting pushed, and they’ve gotta perform.”

Star Ledger LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153442 New Jersey Devils

Devils name Jake Reynolds new team president | What it means

Updated Sep 19, 10:22 AM; Posted Sep 19, 10:00 AM

By Chris Ryan

The Devils named Jake Reynolds as president, where he will take over for Hugh Weber, who served as president of the team and Prudential Center since August of 2013.

Weber was promoted to president of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, the group which controls the Devils, and various other endeavors. Reynolds and Sixers president Chris Heck will both report to Weber.

In his role as president, Reynolds will “oversee all business, revenue, strategy and operations" for the team, and he received a promotion to the position after serving as chief revenue officer for the Devils. Reynolds has worked as an executive within the organization for the past seven years.

Reynolds arrived in Newark after working in management with Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which oversees the Washington Wizards, Washington Capitals, Washington Mystics, and Georgetown men’s .

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“Following one of the most dynamic summers in the NHL, it is an honor and I am incredibly excited to lead the front office for such a historic and iconic brand as the New Jersey Devils,” Reynolds said in a statement. “As an organization, we are committed to building a fan-first culture and generating a best-in-class experience that produces the greatest home- ice advantage in the NHL and brings a fourth Stanley Cup back to New Jersey. I’m excited for our fans and entire organization as we prepare to drop the puck on one of the most anticipated seasons in recent franchise history.”

HBSE was founded in 2017, when Devils managing partners Josh Harris and David Blitzer created the overarching company to oversee their sports and entertainment properties, which also include the GRAMMY Museum at Prudential Center, the Blue Coats and Dignitas, an franchise.

After forming the group, Harris and Blitzer have steadily altered their executive positions within their respective organizations, and the promotion of Reynolds and Weber is another step in that direction. Weber will still have a close hand in the operations of the Devils.

Star Ledger LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153443 New Jersey Devils Prior to the game, Hynes said the plan was for Schneider to play two periods, but it was possible the team pushed him to play all three. Following his heavy workload and strong showing in the first two, the Devils were content with letting Evan Cormier play the final 20 minutes. How Devils’ Cory Schneider explained miscommunication with Ty Smith | 4 takeaways from win over Rangers Another aspect of preseason hockey involves frequently changing lineups, and Wednesday served as the first day Nico Hischier played with Nikita Gusev and Jesper Boqvist. With such a large roster still in training camp, the three hadn’t even practiced together prior to Wednesday’s Updated Sep 19, 6:50 AM; Posted Sep 19, 6:20 AM morning skate. By Chris Ryan So while playing together in a game for the first time, Hischier didn’t try to overthink anything to build some chemistry. It paid off quickly, since the line generated a goal from Hischier on the first shift of the game. NEW YORK -- The Devils continued their preseason schedule with a 4-3 road win over the Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, “Just play simple. Not try too much,” Hischier said. “That’s true, we just with the vast majority of the players on the active roster getting their had the first practice this morning together, first game together, but I felt second games of training camp. pretty good around them. But the key is just play simple and go from there.” Here are four big takeaways from the win, from the miscommunication between Ty Smith and Cory Schneider that led to a goal, to Nico Hischier Seven different Devils forwards saw time on the penalty kill Wednesday building some quick chemistry with two new teammates. — eight if you count the eight seconds played by Jesper Boqvist — following the trend of the coaching staff giving plenty of different players Part of the preseason involves players getting used to new teammates. a chance there in the preseason. All six of Wednesday’s dressed That’s naturally going to lead to some miscommunication on the ice, and defensemen played on the PK, too. that’s what happened on a second-period play between goalie Cory Schneider and defenseman Ty Smith. In a typical regular-season game, the Devils’ forward rotation on the PK usually goes five or six players deep, but the preseason is more about Introducing Devils Insider: Sign up for exclusive news, behind-the-scenes testing some players, rather than just running out the top skaters each observations and the ability to text message directly with beat writers time.

On the Rangers’ second goal, Schneider went behind the Devils’ net to Miles Wood, who logged 16 seconds of shorthanded ice time all of last play a puck, and he left it for Smith to grab as he looped down. But season, played 1:21 on the penalty kill on Wednesday, and Nico Rangers forward Greg McKegg jetted around the left post to cut off Hischier, Jesper Bratt and Michael McLeod all got notable time behind Smith, leaving both the goalie and defenseman stuck in the trapezoid. established penalty killers such as Kevin Rooney, John Hayden and McKegg forced a turnover, and Micheal Haley scored into an open net Mikhail Maltsev. when the puck popped out. “When you come out of preseason, you’ve either found a killer or two, or “He called for a leave and I left it, and I think the guy sort of jumped him you’ve found a guy that you think you can work with," Hynes said. "Or on the other side and surprised him a little bit. I was trying to just linger, you’ve found someone that you think, if their role’s going to be different, maybe set a pick for him, but I think the guy showed up on the side we they can kill, or you see someone, they’re not ready yet, but down the weren’t expecting," Schneider said. "So it’s just something, Ty’s a young road you could use them because of injuries.” kid, he’s a great talent, and we just need to sort that out behind the net a little bit cleaner, so that’s why we hopefully do it in September and not October. We’ll get it figured out.” Star Ledger LOADED: 09.20.2019 Smith is playing in his second training camp with the Devils after being a first-round pick in 2018, but he didn’t play in any games with Schneider last preseason while the goalie was recovering from hip surgery. Considering the games don’t matter just yet, the goalie expects the two to quickly move past those types of mixups.

“He’s a great player, a good talent and a guy that we want to have the puck on his tape, so when plays like that happen, it’s tough for everybody,” Schneider said. “It can be a deflating goal, but you just say, ‘Hey, this is preseason, we’re going to sort this out. We’ll be cleaner on it and this won’t be an issue going forward. Just pick your head up, don’t let it get to you.’ I thought he played well in the third period and the team responded well, and I think that’s just part of the process and part of the learning curve, for both of us.”

Coach John Hynes wasn’t concerned about anything like that becoming a recurring problem.

“There’s mistakes all the time, and that’s certainly a correctable mistake," Hynes said. "It’s not an effort thing, it’s a mental thing. That’s something we’ll work on in practice and bring to their attention tomorrow, and make sure those things don’t happen again.”

Miscommunication aside, Wednesday proved to be another solid outing for Schneider in his second preseason game. After allowing one goal over two periods on Monday in a win over the Boston Bruins, Schneider stopped 27 of the 29 shots he faced against the Rangers.

Before allowing his first goal to Artemi Panarin on a Rangers power play during the second period, Schneider kept the Rangers off the board with several tough saves on earlier penalty kills.

“I thought he played well and really liked his movement,” Hynes said. “You could see his post-to-post movement, his lateral positioning was really good. I thought he was seeing pucks through traffic really well, so it was nice to see him have a performance like that.” 1153444 New Jersey Devils

How Devils reacted to Mikhail Maltsev’s highlight-reel goal in win over Rangers

Updated Sep 19, 6:51 AM; Posted Sep 19, 6:05 AM

By Chris Ryan

NEW YORK -- Nico Hischier needed just one word to sum up Mikhail Maltsev’s highlight-reel goal against the Rangers.

“Filthy," Hischier said.

Maltsev recorded what could easily go down as the goal of the preseason for the Devils, and possibly the NHL, when he put the team up 2-0 at the end of the first period of an eventual 4-3 preseason victory at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.

Maltsev forced a turnover at the Rangers’ blue line before getting knocked to his knees while driving to the net. He maintained control of the puck through the stumble, and he dangled to puck past goalie Alexander Georgiev while springing back to his feet with four seconds left in the period.

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“You don’t have to say much,” Hischier added. "Like the crowd, we were all up on the bench.”

The four other Devils on the ice swarmed the 2016 fourth-round pick along the boards after he got his first goal playing in his second preseason game with the Devils.

As the Devils have steadily integrated more draft picks and prospects into their system, players with the ability to make those types of plays have become a little more common.

“It was pretty spectacular. He’s a big kid, but he’s got really soft hands, and as you saw, just the control and the balance on his knees," Devils goalie Cory Schneider said. "We haven’t seen many goals like that here in recent years. I know it’s preseason, so hopefully that one makes the rounds and gets the Devils on the highlight reel this go around.”

The goal also drew the praise of head coach John Hynes, though Hynes added it just added to what has already been a strong first training camp for Maltsev.

“That was unbelievable. He fends the guy off and he’s on one knee, puts it in the back side," Hynes said. "He’s a player, he’s impressed us. He was good in rookie camp, he’s been very good in practices. He’s had two good exhibition games now. Big, strong, heavy kid. He wins face-offs, very detailed in the way he plays.”

Star Ledger LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153445 New Jersey Devils

NJ Devils name Jake Reynolds team president

Abbey Mastracco, NHL writer

Published 11:12 a.m. ET Sept. 19, 2019 | Updated 6:02 p.m. ET Sept. 19, 2019

NEWARK — The New Jersey Devils have named Jake Reynolds to the role of team president, replacing Hugh Weber, who has been promoted to the president of Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment, the club announced Thursday morning.

Reynolds previously served as the chief revenue officer for HBSE, the group that owns the Devils, Prudential Center and the Philadelphia 76ers. He’s been with the company since January 2017, starting with the Devils as the senior vice president of ticket sales and service before moving to his previous position with HBSE in Philadelphia.

“Given the continued expansion of our organization, this was an opportune time to lift two incredible and deserving executives into bigger and wider roles. Both Jake and Hugh are tremendous leaders possessing a wide array of experience and expertise across the sports and entertainment ecosystem,” HBSE CEO Scott O'Neil said in a statement. “This plan empowers a world-class executive in Hugh Weber to focus on the continued exponential growth of our core business, while Jake Reynolds brings his signature expertise in culture building and laser-focus on innovation to drive our business forward with the greatest upside.”

As team president, all business, revenue, strategy and operations for the Devils will fall under Reynolds.

“Following one of the most dynamic summers in the NHL, it is an honor and I am incredibly excited to lead the front office for such a historic and iconic brand as the New Jersey Devils,” Reynolds said. “As an organization, we are committed to building a fan-first culture and generating a best-in-class experience that produces the greatest home- ice advantage in the NHL and brings a fourth Stanley Cup back to New Jersey. I’m excited for our fans and the entire organization as we prepare to drop the puck on one of the most anticipated seasons in recent franchise history.”

Weber came to the Devils in 2013 after a stint as president of the New Orleans Hornets. Weber came on at a time where the club was struggling so much financially former owner Jeff Vanderbeek was forced to borrow $30 million to meet payroll. Under Weber, revenue operations stabilized and several improvements were made to the Prudential Center facilities. The MTV VMAs were recently hosted at the arena and the club, behind Harris and Blitzer, has invested in several community projects in an attempt to revitalize Newark and the area surrounding the Devils’ home.

Bergen Record LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153446 New Jersey Devils one-way contracted NHL players that are on the team, where are they going to play? And who is earning roles and earning ice time.”

Camp observations NJ Devils John Hynes sends message to training camp: Step it up - Hischier spent some time killing penalties Wednesday night in New Jersey’s 4-3 preseason win over the Rangers. The center logged some shorthanded time last season as well, though it was mostly necessitated Abbey Mastracco, NHL writer by injuries to regular killers and it wasn’t regularly. Right now, the Devils have a solid group of penalty killers but they’re hoping to work Hischier in Published 6:53 p.m. ET Sept. 19, 2019 there and feel they can do with a deeper lineup.

“He is an excellent killer with great instincts,” Hynes said. “We’d like him NEWARK — Taylor Hall was so sure he’d be back on a line with Nico to put a little bit more stock into, even for him, so it’s not like (we’re Hischier this season that on the first day of training camp with the New saying), ‘Hey, when we need you, we’ll throw you on the kill.’ We want to Jersey Devils he said he didn’t anticipate getting alongside top draft pick be more like, ‘You’re a penalty killer. This is part of being in that group Jack Hughes. Hischier, the No. 1 pick two years ago, was his center and growing your role.’” when he won the Hart Trophy, so why would he need to play with anyone - Jesper Boqvist made a splash in the first few days of camp. Wednesday else? and Thursday he settled in, showing an ability to do the little things right As it turns out, Hall may, in fact, get into a game with Hughes as soon as when he wasn’t doing big things like making scoring plays. Friday night, when the Devils host the Rangers in a preseason game at Now, he has to keep up this level of play. Prudential Center. It would be Hall’s first competitive action since before Christmas of last year. “It comes down to what I talked about before, sustainability and dependability,” Hynes said. “Where does he go now? Because camp Devils left wing Taylor Hall (9) plays the puck against does pick up, there will be more cuts and he’ll practice against more NHL “Taylor had a good practice today, so we’re going to talk in the morning players, the exhibition games have more NHL players, the pace starts to and I’ll see where he’s at tomorrow,” coach John Hynes said Thursday get heavier. And all sudden you start to see later can whether they can after practice. “So we'll make a decision on that tomorrow morning. I just sustain it or not.” want to let tonight go through and see where he’s that tomorrow. - Cory Schneider and Mackenzie Blackwood will up their workloads next Eventually, if they all get into the same game, there’s a possibility. We’ll week. Each is expected to play a full 60-minute game before the season take a look at that.” starts and one may do that in one of the two weekend games. Hall’s return would no doubt be important but maybe the bigger news here is that he wouldn’t be on a line with Hischier. It’s preseason, so it’s just a trial run to see if it could work, but it signals a willingness by Hynes Bergen Record LOADED: 09.20.2019 to deviate from a lineup we all thought we could predict a week ago.

New Jersey Devils head coach John Hynes talks to reporters during media day at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on Thursday, September 13, 2018.

“We started camp with some of those natural lines that we've had. But yeah, as it has gone on, you've seen some different combinations and the emergence of some players that we were kind of like, were they going to emerge? Were they not?” Hynes said. “There has been a lot of very strong performances and I think probably for the first time since we've been here, guys that may be perceived as this is their role or their job or they’re on the team, they’re getting pushed and they’ve got to perform.”

Splashy new additions were made in the summer to bolster a lineup that was only a season removed from the playoffs and a season removed from Hall’s MVP campaign. The forward group is as deep as ever, with considerable depth up the middle. Emerging young centers like Pavel Zacha, Kevin Rooney and Michael McLeod may be moved out to play wing because of a traffic jam at the position.

But Rooney, McLeod and others on the bubble have upped their games. Hynes has seen the hunger from players on the bubble that he wanted to see, but he’s been so impressed by the drive of some bubble players that it’s having an effect on the rest of the group. They’re pushing everyone.

But they’re also pushing Hynes and the rest of management to reconsider some roles of established players.

“There's certainly a heavy competition for guys that are kind of on the bubble to make it. I think a lot of those players have showed well,” Hynes said. “I think the biggest thing now is the players is that they think they're on the team or on the team, where are they going to play? And what are they doing to play and maybe the roles that they think they should play?”

It’s not that no one is safe… But maybe no one is safe. And why should they be? The Devils are coming off a losing season. They were the third- worst team in the NHL.

Sure, had they never finished so low in the standings they wouldn't have Hughes and they probably wouldn't have P.K. Subban or Nikita Gusev. But they do now, so everyone needs to step up their game if they want to be safe.

“That's a heavy the battle,” Hynes said. “And that's going to get to the nitty-gritty of this weekend and into next week. Maybe the quote/unquote 1153447 New York Islanders

Belmont Park to host full fall meet on site amid preparation for Islanders' arena construction

By The Associated Press

Updated September 19, 2019 7:32 PM

Belmont Park's entire 37-day fall meet will be run at the venerable track instead of having a portion of it at Aqueduct.

The New York Racing Association said Thursday that the current construction site preparation for the Islanders' new arena at Belmont Park is having less impact on racing operations than expected. As a result, the Belmont meet won't need to move to Aqueduct from Oct. 11- 27 as originally planned.

The fall meet, featuring 45 stakes worth $11.52 million in purses, began Sept. 6 and ends Oct. 27.

Aqueduct will host its fall meet from Nov. 1-Dec. 1.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153448 New York Islanders

Isles trim training camp roster to 52

By Andrew Gross [email protected] @AGrossNewsday

Updated September 19, 2019 6:19 PM

There are fewer choices but still hard roster decisions upcoming.

The Islanders made their first cuts on Thursday, reducing their training camp roster to a more manageable 52 players by assigning 12 to their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport and re-assigning six more to their junior hockey teams.

“We’ve still got some battles going on, that’s for sure,” coach Barry Trotz said after two groups practiced at East Meadow. “There’s nothing defined. There’s a percentage of the team that you go, ‘Those are locks,’ and then there are question marks and we’ll go from there.”

The Islanders, with five preseason games remaining before opening the regular season on Oct. 4 against the Capitals at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum, face the Red Wings at Detroit on Friday night and the Devils on the road the following night. Trotz said there would be separate game groups for the weekend.

And then Trotz indicated further cuts will be upcoming as the coaching staff focuses on the final roster battles. There are 14 forwards returning from last season and seven defensemen and forward Oliver Wahlstrom and defenseman Noah Dobson, the 11th and 12th overall picks in 2018 are among the prospects pushing for jobs.

“I just think it’s the next level,” Trotz said of reducing the roster. “At the start of training it was, ‘Let’s get the rust off and let’s get the compete and the work ethic.’ Now, we’re getting into some line (combinations), special teams, special situations.”

For instance, Thursday’s practices marked the start of power-play work under new assistant coach Jim Hiller.

“Everything is a little bit more detailed in practice,” said forward Tanner Fritz, pushing to secure an NHL job in his fourth season with the organization. “We’re just trying to get things fine-tuned as best you can with the exhibition games left.”

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153449 New York Rangers Answers will keep coming as the preseason schedule continues with Friday night’s game against the Devils in Newark.

Rangers’ competition ‘is real’ in preseason New York Post LOADED: 09.20.2019

By Brett Cyrgalis

September 19, 2019 | 10:46pm | Updated

Maybe it was hyperbole.

Rangers coach David Quinn, nevertheless, was right in the fact that there has been a fair amount of competition in training camp, with a lot on the line in the preseason. To project the roster right now isn’t easy, and a lot of determining how the Blueshirts will look when they host the Jets on opening night, Oct. 3, is up to the performance of the players between now and then — along with a stalemated contract holdout.

“It’s real. The competition is real,” Quinn said before his team got a day off practice Thursday to participate in their golf outing, having opened their preseason Wednesday night with a 4-3 loss to the Devils at the Garden. “I said to our guys before training camp — I think you’d be hard- pressed to find a training camp in our league that has more opportunities.

“Not just from making a roster standpoint, but from putting yourself in a spot on the roster. These games mean an awful lot. Looking forward to seeing what these guys can do.”

Quinn has gone out on a limb and made one early roster declaration, and that is Pavel Buchnevich will get the first look on the right side of the top line next to Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad. It is a golden opportunity for the 24-year-old Buchnevich, who has had quite a few ups and downs over his first three years in the NHL but is being counted on after signing a two-year, $6.5 million deal as a restricted free agent this summer.

Quinn still couldn’t help himself in getting a look at the No. 2-overall pick from June’s draft, Kaapo Kakko, deciding to put the 18-year-old Finn in Buchenvich’s spot on that top line for the exhibition opener. Kakko delivered, showing the poise, vision and skill that made him such a highly touted player.

The coach said that is still Buchnevich’s spot, but Kakko wasted no time in showing he belongs. When Kakko was asked Wednesday night if he’s feeling more comfortable every day, he went back to his refreshingly confident refrain.

“I don’t think so,” he said with a shrug. “It feels so good, every day.”

So figure the wunderkind plays the right wing on the second line with Chris Kreider and Filip Chytil, then the third line will be flanked by Vlad Namestnikov and Ryan Strome, both of whom can switch to the middle if needed. It seems the front-runner to center that line would be Lias Andersson, the No. 7-overall pick from the 2017 draft who spent most of this past season in AHL Hartford. But where does that leave Brett Howden, whose two-way game and dependability was apparent during a 66-game rookie season?

If the 21-year-old Howden centers the fourth line, that might put Greg McKegg — who turned some heads in the exhibition opener — on the outside looking in. That assumes the fourth line has Brendan Lemieux on the left and Jesper Fast on the right.

All of that excludes Vitali Kravtsov, the 19-year-old Russian taken with the No. 9-overall pick in 2018, who might be best suited to start his North American tenure with the Wolf Pack. Also on the fringes are Boo Nieves, Vinni Lettieri and Phillip Di Giuseppe.

The defense seems to have only one spot open, and it is Tony DeAngelo’s to have if the restricted free agent can ever get over his contract holdout. The top pair seems set with Brady Skjei and Jacob Trouba, while Adam Fox seems ready for prime time on the right side, either with fellow youngster Libor Hajek or veteran presence Marc Staal.

So the third-pair righty spot is open, with Ryan Lindgren possibly going to his offside. Veteran Joe Morrow is in on a tryout, battling with Darren Raddysh, Joey Keane and Brandon Crawley for a depth spot. (This is also assuming Brendan Smith clears waivers and is sent to AHL Hartford, saving salary cap space.) 1153450 New York Rangers from Wednesday night's game — excluding the Panarin injury — was a couple of lapses in the defensive zone.

When asked about his goaltenders, Alexandar Georgiev and Igor New York Rangers: Takeaways and analysis after one week of training Shesterkin, Quinn pointed out that, "They were victims of a couple of camp turnovers." There were a few sloppy giveaways and players caught out of position.

It's no secret that the Rangers' defense was a weakness last season, Vincent Z. Mercogliano, NHL writer and Quinn made it clear at his opening press conference that his team needs to "do a better job on our own end." Published 3:00 p.m. ET Sept. 19, 2019 | Updated 3:08 p.m. ET Sept. 19, 2019 Trouba has looked good so far in camp and will surely help, but he can't do it alone. Brady Skjei, Marc Staal, Adam Fox and others need to step

up. And as Trouba pointed out, so do the forwards. Welcome to the first off day of the New York Rangers' preseason! "Your best defense is your forwards, in a way," he said. "It’s a five-man We're only one week into training camp, but it feels like a lot has unit that plays defense, and it’s a five-man unit that plays offense. I think happened already. While I catch up on some couch time — it looks like the label of forwards and defensemen is not really how hockey is played the Rangers are on the golf course — I thought I'd take the opportunity to anymore. When you’re able to play tight D and have a good gap, you’re run through some random thoughts and share some of my stories from able to have forwards that are back for you and allow you to have a tight the first week of camp. gap."

Artemi Panarin's minor scare Tony DeAngelo update

It set off alarm bells when Artemi Panarin left Wednesday's preseason It would be helpful for the blue line if Tony DeAngelo ended his holdout opener against the New Jersey Devils with a "mild groin strain," but and came to camp. coach David Quinn seemed unconcerned at the postgame press I'm not sure that's any closer to happening. I asked Wednesday and was conference. basically told it's status quo. Team president John Davidson told us, "It’s Even the slightest tweak should be handled with extreme care at this up to Tony. He’s welcome to join us any time he wants." And in the early juncture, so it makes sense that the Rangers would pull him even if meantime, the Rangers are sitting back and waiting. they feel it's not a serious injury. I'm assuming Panarin won't play in They can't afford to give DeAngelo much more than the one-year, either of this weekend's preseason games (7 p.m. Friday at New Jersey $925,000 deal they gave Brendan Lemieux. DeAngelo isn't happy with and 7 p.m. Saturday at Philly). that, but I don't think the Rangers are inclined to move off it. The salary Of course, even though it sounds like no big deal, we'll be asking more cap situation is tight, and they made it clear during the offseason that questions about the severity of the groin injury at Friday's morning skate. they're not going to trade a useful player like Vlad Namestnikov or Ryan Stay tuned. Strome just to dump salary. (Especially not if they're being asked to eat some of the money just to make the trade.) 'That (power play) unit was outstanding' So, the stare down continues. There's a good chance DeAngelo is A good rule is never make too much of anything that happens in a waiting until the last possible day to see if he can squeeze a little more preseason game, but it was hard not to walk away impressed with the out of the Rangers, and he'll inevitably take whatever the best offer is at effectiveness of the Rangers' power play. the end of camp. He doesn't have many other options, unless his agent Pat Brisson believes he can force a trade. But the Rangers certainly don't It just so happened that Panarin, Kaapo Kakko, Mika Zibanejad, Chris have to acquiesce to that. Kreider and Jacob Trouba were all in the lineup Wednesday night, but it felt like there was some purpose behind that decision. And based on how The one bit of leverage DeAngelo does have is the lack of depth for the good they looked together, that grouping is now clearly the favorite to Rangers when it comes to right-handed defensemen. After Trouba and begin the season as PP1. Fox — who has impressed and seems like a shoe-in for the final roster — it's underwhelming vets like Brendan Smith and Joe Morrow, or forcing "Well, that was fun," Kreider said after the game. "We had a sequence a prospect like Joey Keane to play before he's fully ready. where we hit three or four posts in a row, but that was pretty cohesive for two or three days in and only practicing a couple of times. We definitely The prospect stock report have stuff we can build off of. Everyone kind of played their role to a tee, and we were snapping it around pretty good." The Rangers have talked up a lot of their young players during this training camp, and with good reason. "It wasn’t like we were just working the perimeter," Kreider added. "Everything was done with a purpose — trying to attack or trying to It's no surprise that Kakko looks like the real deal. He's already playing accomplish something. They were taking what was given. Nothing was on the second line and the top power play unit, and his teammates have being forced. If we can build on that, that’s going to be a pretty good been raving about him. weapon for us going forward." "He makes good reads off puck to get the puck, so he can be first on That sums it up nicely. They got the one PP goal on a one-timer from pucks and then protect it and make a play," Kreider said. "He wants the Trouba to Panarin, but they hit at least three posts/crossbars I can puck, he wants to be around the puck, and he’s got the thing on a string. remember and had a few other great looks that were stopped by Devils It’s so close to his toes, it’s hard to get it off. He plays a very heavy game goalie Cory Schneider (who I thought played well). There was a for an 18-year-old. He’s fun to play with." crispness to every pass, and every player on the ice felt like a legitimate Fox and fellow defenseman Libor Hájek are also virtual locks to make the threat. Each player seemed well-suited for his role. roster, and it would be a surprise if Vitali Kravtsov doesn't. He'll have to The Rangers are giving Pavel Buchnevich a vote of confidence by putting bump a more established player out of the lineup for a place on the third him on the first line with Panarin and Zibanejad, but the top PP unit or fourth line — look for my updated my roster projection Monday should start with the five we saw last night. morning — but his upside is too much to pass on.

"That unit was outstanding," Quinn said. "They were zipping around. For It's been interesting to watch Quinn coach throughout camp because he's a unit that hadn’t been spending much time together — if any at all — up very hands on — which is what you want with a young team like this and to three days ago, they certainly found some chemistry. There was a one of the main reasons the Rangers hired him last year — and Kravtsov pace to the power play. So far, so good." is one of the players I've noticed him spending a lot of time with.

Cleaning up defense and turnovers "I think he’s getting acclimated to the North American pace," Quinn said. "It’s different hockey than he’s used to. The thing I love about him is that What I said about not making too much of a preseason game also he’s very coachable and he wants to learn. You say something to him, he applies here. With that disclaimer, the one slight negative to takeaway absorbs it and he gets better at it. He’s done a good job and I like the direction he’s heading in."

Shesterkin is likely ticketed for AHL Hartford, but I thought he had his best practice Monday and followed it with a pretty solid game Wednesday night.

"I’m pleased with his progress," Quinn said. "(Goalie coach Benoit Allaire) loves coaching him. He competes, and again it is a learning curve for a goalie in particular because the angles are different, the rink is different. There is a big adjustment for a goalie, but I think he’s handled it well."

And while we can't officially consider them prospects anymore, Quinn has continuously praised second-year centers Filip Chytil and Lias Andersson. Chytil is ahead of Andersson and Brett Howden (who hasn't been talked about as much as the other two) on the depth chart, getting the first crack at centering the second line. But Andersson is also having a good camp, with added strength and more confidence in his game. He scored the third goal against the Devils by hanging around the net and cleaning up a rebound in traffic.

"One of the things we talked about in his exit interview was the progress he made in the second half of the season in a lot of areas," Quinn said of Andersson. "I liked the direction of his game when he got called up at the end of the year. I certainly loved what he was doing away from the rink to take better care of his body and understand that conditioning is a huge piece of being an NHL player. It’s not just what you do in the rink. ... You need to be a pro 24/7."

The 'C' question

One of the big topics early in camp has been whether or not the Rangers are going to name a new captain.

Honestly, it seems to be a topic that makes the players a little uncomfortable. A few have said they don't think it's necessary, and the leading candidates are careful about not advocating for themselves.

That strikes me as a good thing. It shows that these players are humble and focused on the task at hand.

With that said, I've noticed four clear leaders in that locker room. Henrik Lundqvist (who I had a chance to chat with after practice Wednesday and will have a feature story coming on over the weekend) is the guy everyone looks up to, but goalies can't wear the "C." After him, it's a mix of Staal, Kreider and Zibanejad.

They each bring different leadership qualities. Staal is the captain of the defense and the longest-tenured skater on the roster. Kreider is playful with the younger guys in a way that seems to put them at ease. And Zibanejad is the lead-by-example type.

Any of those three would make good captains, but Zibanejad is the one who has the best chance of sticking around long term. That shouldn't be the deciding factor, but it's definitely a factor.

I asked him the other day if the captain talk makes him feel awkward. And he gave a captain-like answer.

"I’m not the one deciding it," he said. "It’s nothing that I really focus on. We have great leaders in here, so for me to be part of that leadership group last year was obviously a huge honor for a team like this. I didn’t think last year changed me in anyway of how I am as a person, or what you would call a leader or whatever. I don’t think anything has changed — and nothing is going to change. I think we have different types of leaders, and it’s a good dynamic."

Bergen Record LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153451 New York Rangers The most intriguing option is 2018 third-round pick Joey Keane. He was singled out by general manager Jeff Gorton as a player who impressed in Traverse City, and he's had a good camp.

NY Rangers training camp battle: Tony DeAngelo holdout creates "There’s certainly a chance for him, for sure, because of the situation opening on right defense we’re in," Quinn said.

He called Keane, "a great prospect for us," but is he ready to make the jump from prospect to the NHL at just 20 years old? It may be a lot to Vincent Z. Mercogliano, NHL writer ask.

Published 6:00 a.m. ET Sept. 19, 2019 | Updated 10:34 a.m. ET Sept. The odds are that Smith is used as a placeholder, with Keane as the wild 19, 2019 card and Raddysh as the fallback. But what the Rangers could really use is DeAngelo back before Oct. 3.

TARRYTOWN – When asked about the contract holdout of defenseman Tony DeAngelo, New York Rangers coach David Quinn evoked the Bergen Record LOADED: 09.20.2019 coach of his favorite football team.

“I’m going to talk about the guys who are here,” he said, joking that he sounded like New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

So, let’s talk about who’s here.

The Rangers have newly-acquired Jacob Trouba set as their top defenseman on the right side, but who’s behind him? DeAngelo was expected to play on the second pair, and while it’s unlikely his holdout will carry over into the regular season, Quinn must fill his spot for at least the time being.

“There’s a lot of opportunity,” rookie defenseman Adam Fox said. "You just want to go out, play your best and have the coaches and management kind of figure that out."

Wednesday’s preseason opener against the New Jersey Devils provided a glimpse into what the backup plan could be. Trouba was on the first pair, followed by Fox on the second pair and veteran Brendan Smith on the third.

Would those be Quinn’s top-three right-handed options if the season started today?

“It’s certainly a possibility, but depending how things unfold in camp, Smitty and I have talked about him playing some forward — a lot of forward — this year,” Quinn said. “A lot of things can happen between now and (opening night) Oct. 3, for sure.”

Barring something unforeseen, Fox seems to have a spot locked up.

He said he thought the key to making the roster would be, “Showing I can play a 200-foot game. A lot of people see the offense, but I think I’m a pretty good defender and pretty reliable there.”

It sounds like Quinn is becoming convinced of that.

"I thought he had a great Traverse City (Tournament) and a great camp so far," he said of Fox. "As I’ve talked to him about and we’ve talked as a staff, when we acquired him, the question was: Could he handle the defending end of it and the skating and pace of play? I was never concerned that he wouldn’t eventually be able to do it. The question is how soon? And so far, it’s been very soon."

With Fox settling in more each day, Smith has become the bigger question mark.

Quinn has called him a "swing man," meaning a player who can move from forward to defense on any given night. But that may be a nice way of saying they're not too confident playing him at either position.

Smith has been underwhelming since coming over in a trade with the Detroit Red Wings during the 2016-17 season and he could be a liability in the defensive zone. The Rangers' preference is probably to make him a healthy scratch most nights, or send him to AHL Hartford to save $1.075 million against the salary cap.

The problem is, the other options are limited.

Joe Morrow, a 26-year-old who was let go by the Winnipeg Jets, was brought in for training camp and has been mentioned by Quinn. But he's left-handed and is more of the journeyman-type. Darren Raddysh, who was acquired in a February trade with the Chicago Blackhawks, is also in the mix. 1153452 New York Rangers

Henrik Lundqvist on board with Rangers' plan to play him less this season

By Colin Stephenson [email protected] @ColinASteph

Updated September 19, 2019 9:05 PM

Henrik Lundqvist will make his preseason debut when the Rangers play their second game of the preseason Friday in Newark against the Devils. It is the beginning of his 15th season with the club, and there is somehow a different feel to this one.

Both Rangers president John Davidson and coach David Quinn have said Lundqvist, who is 37 and beginning his 15th season with the club, is going to play less this season than he is used to. The trend in the league, both said, is for No. 1 goalies to not play 70 regular season games anymore. Plus, the Rangers have two 23-year-old Russians – Alexandar Georgiev and Igor Shesterkin – who will be vying for ice time in the net.

For the record, Lundqvist says he’s on board with all that. Although he admits he’s always preferred playing a heavy load of games, he said that he’s struggled some in the second half of each of the last two seasons. Last season, he said, he wasn’t so much physically worn down as emotionally; the trade of his best friend on the team, Mats Zuccarello, clearly took a lot out of him.

“But yeah, I guess I'm gonna have to adjust a little bit in how I practice,’’ Lundqvist said in training camp this week. “Sometimes when you practice, and play a lot, that's more like, you're being out there, just touching the puck. But now it's going to be more days where you have to push yourself, Make sure you're ready when you do play.

“I'm not going to focus too much on how many starts,’’ he said. “I'm going to work as hard as I can and be ready when they tell me to play. And obviously I hope it's gonna be a lot of games. But, what a lot of games as I don't know. I don't know a number and we're not going to target a number. It comes down to how I play; how they play.’’

For now, the official position of Rangers management is that Lundqvist remains the No. 1 goaltender on the team, but as he ages, and the lighter regular season workload is intended to keep him fresh so he can finish strong and be ready if the team makes the playoffs.

“You look at his last two years, he’s had two great first halves,’’ Quinn said of Lundqvist. “We want him to have a great season, so when we do make the playoffs, he’s in a position where he’s fresh, and he’s coming off a stretch of great hockey and he can carry us to the next level.’’

Lundqvist took it hard when the team decided to rebuild two seasons ago. But he decided to stay with the team and help. Now, he is excited by the improvements the Rangers made to the roster, adding defenseman Jacob Trouba, No. 2 overall pick Kaapo Kakko, and dynamic free agent winger Artemi Panarin. He’s not ready yet to make any predictions about the Rangers getting back into the playoffs after a two-year absence, but he feels good about where the team is entering the 2019-20 season.

“We have some really talented players come in, (but) we're still a very young team,’’ he said. “Right now? It's still early, and I honestly don't know what's a realistic goal… Looking at the team, yeah, we should be better, for sure, than last year. I think we have improved, you have the younger guys getting better. We signed some big free agents.’’

"So, if you ask me, I want to make the playoffs."

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153453 NHL Panthers and is still with their American Hockey League affiliate. But forward Henrik Rybinski was returned by Florida while Alex Morozoff was acquired by trade last week and scored twice in the preseason finale.

Forging their own path: Bolstered local junior hockey teams expect NHL’s Everett is enjoying the best sustained success in its history; three straight arrival to make them even stronger U.S. Division regular season titles and five consecutive playoff pushes to the second round or beyond — including the 2018 WHL final. They’ve lost forwards Connor Dewar and Riley Sutter to entry-level NHL deals and defenseman Jake Christiansen is still in camp with St. Louis. But Sep. 19, 2019 at 6:00 am Updated Sep. 19, 2019 at 11:11 am standout goalie Dustin Wolf was returned by the Calgary Flames, as was By Geoff Baker Lake Stevens defenseman Wyatte Wylie by the Philadelphia Flyers. Newly-named captain Bryce Kindopp, 20, was also sent back by Florida Seattle Times staff reporter while Montreal returned defenseman Gianni Fairbrother.

Silvertips chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said ticket sales are up 10- to-12 percent after growing roughly the same last season to 5,614 fans KENT — Gig Harbor native Mekai Sanders didn’t discover hockey until per game — their biggest tally since 2010-11 and fifth highest in the his father’s computer software job took their family to British Columbia for league. about 18 months. It helps that the per-game cost of a Silvertips season ticket runs $13-to- Upon returning to Washington, Sanders joined the Sno-King hockey $26 while the T-Birds are at $13-to-$30, with both offering further association, then the storied Compuware program in Detroit and now is a discounted group and famly packages. Contrast that with the average per rookie forward with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the major junior Western game Vegas Golden Knights season ticket cost of $100 – which jumps Hockey League (WHL). As the Thunderbirds and Everett Silvertips this beyond $250 on the secondary market – and the price gap between NHL weekend launch their first full seasons since Seattle landed a National and junior levels has gotten so big that co-existing may no longer be as Hockey League franchise, they hope its pending October 2021 arrival challenging. spurs more local growth in the game and their bottom lines. “With the non-traditional hockey fans, our guys do an unbelievable job of And getting more local youths interested in hockey, without having to go selling to groups,’’ Rajcic said. “To casual people who say ‘Hey, our elsewhere like Sanders to discover it, will likely be key to the junior church group, our school or our company wants to go and do programs and NHL co-existing. something…’ When you’re pitching a $10 or $12 ticket, it’s really a no- “Hopefully it brings a little more interest because not a lot of people know brainer.’’ about hockey and what the sport really is here in Washington,’’ Sanders, Rajcic expects those sales to grow as NHL Seattle raises local hockey 16, said after his Thunderbirds last week wrapped up the pre-season awareness. here with a 5-4 win over the Silvertips at the ShoWare Center. “I hope it attracts more people and more people learn what the sport is about.’’ They’re also targeting younger fans through family packages of six-to-14 games. With local youth hockey expecting an NHL-sparked enrollment Sanders is what both clubs want; attending Thunderbirds games as a surge, the Silvertips hope to grow and keep those younger fans through child after being introduced to the sport and now an example for younger the next decade. players that locals can reach the highest ranks of junior hockey and dream of a professional career. Rajcic said NHL Seattle met collectively with the five Washington-based U.S. Division teams and the to discuss ways to “I always looked up to these guys,” Sanders said. “So being able to come benefit one another. here and put on a Thunderbirds jersey has just been unreal.” “In general, for all of us, the goal is to find stuff that they (NHL Seattle) He’ll be draft eligible in 2021, just as NHL Seattle begins selecting its can get attached to – some existing programs,’’ he said. “Like, we have team. our ‘Street Hockey Day’ and that’s something that interests them. Maybe Another Washington native, Silvertips forward Dawson Butt, 19, of doing initiatives with our youth hockey programs, because we’re all pretty Buckley, scored the final goal of last week’s somewhat sloppy affair as tied to those.’’ Everett suffered its first regulation defeat in six preseason games. The T-Birds-owning Lekelt brothers already did cross-promotional work The Thunderbirds finished the preseason 5-0-1-0 and open here against on ticket and suite sales with NHL Seattle last season. Lindsey Leckelt Kamloops on Saturday after a surprising playoff berth last spring. Everett was impressed by NHL Seattle CEO Tod Leiweke’s vision of growing faces the Tri-City Americans on Friday at Angel of the Winds Arena after hockey throughout the Pacific Northwest. making the U.S. Division final last season. “I think it’s going to stretch our fan base maybe even a little more Recent on-ice success has bolstered attendance to where both are broadly,’’ he said. “Maybe pulling in more of the urban areas of Seattle confident the NHL won’t overshadow them. itself and some of the suburbs.’’

“The one thing the NHL (team) in Seattle has been committed to is Any new fans can now see locals, like Sanders, competing for an NHL growing the game in the region,’’ said T-Birds co-owner Dan Leckelt, chance. Sanders becoming draft-eligible just as NHL Seattle gets to pick who, with his brother, Lindsey, bought the team after its first WHL title in players for the first time opens up some intriguing possibilities for a 2017. “Certainly, we’re getting some influence now, but in the future, hometown player. when there’s more little hockey players skating around, they’ll be fans of “I never really thought about that way,’’ Sanders said. “But hopefully I’ll the NHL team but there will also be other avenues for junior hockey be in there and maybe somebody can pick me up.’’ fans.’’

The Leckelt brothers live just outside of Edmonton, Alberta, where they’ve watched the WHL Oil Kings and NHL Oilers co-exist for years. Seattle Times LOADED: 09.20.2019 The Oil Kings led WHL attendance for the third straight time last season with 7,661 fans per game.

“If you look at their fan base, there are a lot of minor hockey kids and they run a lot of programs for the minor hockey kids much like they do here,’’ Leckelt said.

The T-Birds drew 4,771 fans per game last season, 9th best of 22 league teams and only slightly off their post-title 4,950 from 2017-18. Attendance is up 80 percent from a decade ago despite a team rebuild last season before a late run secured the playoff berth.

They’ve lost graduating forwards Noah Phlp and Nolan Volcan while 40- goal-scorer Matthew Wedman was in camp with the NHL Florida 1153454 Ottawa Senators seasons as a rugged winger in the American Hockey League. “And I said, ‘Hey man, I’m just looking for the exposure. So now, we’re here. I caught somebody’s eye. So that counts for something.”

Warrenspiece: Defence never rests; Matthews-Ceci watch; and EARNING RESPECT: Former NHL tough guy and current social media Sabourin's push star Paul Bissonette came to Sabourin’s defence, saying Matthews’ actions were out of line. More importantly for Sabourin, he caught the eye of Senators head coach D.J. Smith. While the Senators will cut the roster significantly on the weekend, Smith said Sabourin did enough to earn at Ken Warren least another exhibition game, much more than most players on pro September 19, 2019 6:54 PM EDT tryout offers receive. “He did a great job, he went out and got himself noticed,” said Smith. “We’re here talking about him. He’s a guy that is starving to get to the . He went out and did what he had to do.” Beyond the Thomas Chabot bombshell Thursday, there was more business done by the Ottawa Senators. KEEPING UP TO STAY ALIVE: Sabourin makes no apologies for his physical approach, also understanding that he has to pick his spots as In particular, head coach D.J. Smith’s emphasis for the two practice the game has changed. “Some people like it, some don’t and that’s just groups — a major cutdown is coming following Saturday’s pre-season the way it is,” he said. “The game is getting a little quicker and the pace is game against Montreal — was all about fine-tuning defensive-zone there, so you’ve got to adapt or you’ll be out with the dinosaurs.” coverage. On Wednesday, even though the Senators won 4-3, the Toronto Maple Leafs spent extended periods buzzing around the net.

“We weren’t boxing out and they were getting to pucks first,” Smith said. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 09.20.2019 “(Friday), we will work on the more offensive side of the game. We want to touch on everything everyday, but, in saying that, we just want to make sure we’re working hard and going fast. We don’t want the pace to dip. We want to continue to push.”

VANCOUVER BECKONS: Saturday’s contest will be pivotal, given that the Senators will likely chop the training camp roster to approximately 30 on Sunday. Remaining players will head to B.C. for games against the Canucks on Monday (in Abbotsford) and Wednesday (Rogers Centre).

“It’s the last day where we’re really feeling out some of the younger guys,” Smith said. “When you get to Vancouver, you’re down to five or six guys who are left that could be cut. Everybody else has a chance to make it.”

STARTING OVER: Defenceman Christian Wolanin seemed as optimistic as he could be as he walked out of Canadian Tire Centre on Thursday, awaiting surgery Friday. Wolanin, tore a labrum in his left shoulder during an informal scrimmage before training camp, is expected to miss at least four months of action … Defenceman Hubert Labrie made the most of his surprise appearance on the Senators defence Wednesday. After Chabot was a late scratch because of illness, Labrie was inserted into the lineup. He ended up playing 19:44, registering six hits and two shots on goal. Maxence Guenette, likely headed back to Val-d’Or of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League on Sunday, also held his own in his NHL exhibition debut, playing 18:35.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: Winger Brady Tkachuk was reasonably satisfied with what the Senators new-look first line — including Connor Brown and Colin White — delivered Wednesday. “In the first period, we played really well, but in the third period we were on our heels a little bit,” Tkachuk said. “It was our first game and we’re still learning.” The way Tkachuk sees it, the lessons learned by trying to contain a powerhouse centre like Auston Matthews are invaluable. Matthews scored twice for Toronto. “It’s better to do that now than (in the regular season).” Brown, the former Maple Leaf, has seen first-hand what Matthews can do. “His shot is incredible and he’s got some good hands and he steals pucks,” Brown said. “He’s relentless on the forecheck, so we’ve got to break out together to keep him out of our end.” Hence, the defensive-zone coverage work at practice.

‘WEIRD’ RETURN HOME: Cody Ceci is expecting the pace and atmosphere to be a lot higher in the regular-season opener against his former Senators teammates Oct. 2, but he was pleased with his outing with Toronto on Wednesday. Ceci, traded to Toronto for Brown and Nikita Zaitsev on July 1, played 26:48 and finished the night with a plus/minus rating of plus three. “I was definitely nervous coming into the game and I didn’t feel great coming off the plane,” he said. “But I thought we (along with Morgan Rielly) played pretty solid together.”

WHO IS THAT GUY? Scott Sabourin’s goal was to get noticed as a longshot attending Senators camp on a professional tryout offer. Mission accomplished. He fought former Senator Ben Harpur, delivered four hits and had the Maple Leafs looking over their shoulders.

GOING VIRAL: When Matthews turned Sabourin around to look at his number and name in a mocking “I’ve never heard of you” gesture, it took on a life of its own on social media. “He said exactly what you think he said,” said Sabourin, a 27-year-old Orléans native who spent the past six 1153455 Ottawa Senators “That’s still such a long way away,” Tkachuk said of his own contract future. “I’m just thinking about tomorrow and getting better. I haven’t really thought about that at all.”

Chabot signing generates positive vibes in Senators dressing room

Ottawa Sun LOADED: 09.20.2019

Ken Warren

September 19, 2019 5:18 PM EDT

Brady Tkachuk’s message to Thomas Chabot?

He has a big appetite.

“Oh, yeah, awesome day,” Tkachuk said of Chabot’s colossal new contract with the Ottawa Senators. “We know he’ll be paying for a lot of dinners now. We’ve got a couple of free meals coming from him and (Colin White).”

Indeed, between Chabot and White, who signed a six-year extension in August, the two 22-year-olds have guaranteed deals worth a combined $92.5 million.

Those signings have also sparked a mood of optimism in the dressing room that there is a mutual commitment between management and players for a bright future.

“They are two guys that are going to be big time players for our future,” Tkachuk said Thursday.

“I’m super happy with Thomas signing. He’s one of our best players, if not our best player. He’s so gifted offensively and his defensive game is overlooked a bit. I love when he’s on the ice. Last year, he took a huge step and that’s just a preview of what he’s got. He’s still got time to get stronger. He’s going to be one of the best defencemen in the league one day.”

Tkachuk will get no argument from Senators head coach D.J. Smith about that. Smith went so far to suggest that Chabot had the potential to one day dominate games offensively and defensively just as former New Jersey Devils and Anaheim Ducks defenceman Scott Niedermayer did during the 1990’s and early 2000’s.

“It’s an outstanding day for us as an organization,” Smith said.

Smith doesn’t believe the contract will change Chabot.

“He’s a pretty humble guy, a quiet guy,” Smith said. “Everything about him says he’s got leadership. He’s a hockey player. At the end of the day, guys get paid and they deserve to get paid, but they love to play hockey. He wants to get better every day. He could play 30 minutes (per game) now, if he had to. That’s why you look up someone like that. He can play in all situations and be elite all over the ice.”

The signing of Chabot certainly makes life easier for Smith. There are no major contract distractions in the offing, allowing Smith to put his stamp on the National Hockey League team without worrying about losing a significant piece in the near future.

Adding to the new vibe is the fact that everyone seems geared towards the same common goal. During White’s contract negotiations, he talked regularly with Chabot, and vice versa.

“He’s one of my best friends here, and to see him locked up it’s pretty exciting for us young guys to see that,” White said.

“I couldn’t be happier for him. Inside the locker room, we knew it would happen. Now that it’s done, we can just focus on the season. It speaks to management here and what they’re doing to change things here.”

Down the road, of course, the Senators would like nothing better than to sign Tkachuk long-term, too, so that his teammates could then joke about him buying expensive meals.

It’s a somewhat touchy subject, though, given that Tkachuk’s brother, Matthew, is in a contract stalemate with the Calgary Flames. Brady Tkachuk could become a restricted free agent following the 2020-21 season.

Thursday, Brady Tkachuk said, was all about Chabot. 1153456 Ottawa Senators standard 10-team no-trade clause in its final four years. It can’t kick in until then because that’s when the 22-year-old Chabot would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency.

All the hard work pays off for Thomas Chabot and the Senators 2020-21: $7M

2021-22: $7M

Bruce Garrioch 2022-23: $4M

September 19, 2019 4:26 PM EDT 2023-24: $8M

2023-25: $10M *

The Ottawa Senators and Thomas Chabot’s representatives had a 2025-26: $10M * common goal when they sat down at the bargaining table this summer: 2026-27: $10M * They both wanted to get a deal done. 2027-28: $8M * General manager Pierre Dorion reached out to Chabot’s agents, Dominic Deblois and Ian Pulver of the Will Sports Group, not long after the * Denotes standard no trade clause with a list of 10 teams where he can’t Canada Day free-agent period began and the two sides sat down in mid- be dealt. July to discuss an extension for the 22-year-old all-start blueliner.

Late Wednesday, not long after the Senators scored a 4-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs in a pre-season game at Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa Sun LOADED: 09.20.2019 the Senators and Chabot’s camp agreed to terms on an eight-year, $64- million deal that will make him the highest paid player on the team at $8 million per season.

“We sat down shortly after July first, but we knew we could find a solution here,” Dorion said Thursday. “When you sit down with quality people, quality agents, you know you can get a deal done and that’s what we did with them.

“Through the process, it was Peter (MacTavish, Senators assistant general manager) and myself and we talked to them about our long-term plan, which they relayed to Thomas, about how vision and how we see the Senators being successful and we were able to get something done.”

Chabot didn’t think about moving elsewhere.

“Being here, I’m a kid from Quebec, it’s close to my hometown and from the first day I’ve been here every fan has welcomed me really well,” he said. “Anytime you’re a hockey player, all you want do is go out there and try your best. When you get the chance to have fans who appreciate what you do, it’s the best thing you can ask for.

“The city is great, the team here is great, the players are great, the staff is amazing and everybody gets treated so well. I’m happy to be here.”

Pulver said the two sides held a lot of discussions to get to the finish line.

“Thomas a unique character and he’s grassroots,” Pulver said. “He comes from a grassroots Quebec town, his dad is a school teacher, and he has a certain attraction to the Ottawa area.

“Thomas has always, since junior and his young pro career, has always been a good person and I think he identified with the people in Ottawa. There wasn’t ever a discussion about wanting to go play somewhere else. This reminds him of home. He wants to be part of this community and gave us instructions accordingly to carry out our negotiations with Ottawa in a certain way.”

This deal is different in National Hockey League circles because it doesn’t have any signing bonus and the Senators didn’t go that route in the deal that was signed with centre Colin White in August, either. Chabot does have lockout protection because his salary when the current collective agreement is supposed to expire is $4 million in 2022- 23.

“We’re comfortable with the structure of the contract. It’s done, in our mind, to account for a rebuild in the early years and Thomas’ evolution as a hockey player,” Pulver said. “And, when he’s the elite of the elite, he’ll be paid accordingly in our minds.”

Asked about the signing bonus element at the end of the media conference, Dorion said both sides were pleased with the deal.

“Both parties are very happy with the contract and very happy to have him play with us for the next nine years,” Dorion said.

THE BREAKDOWN OF THE DEAL

Thomas Chabot signed an eight-year extension with the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, and it will kick in on July 1, 2020. He is coming out of his entry-level contract after this season. The new contract contains a 1153457 Ottawa Senators “As we always talk about, it’s the young core group of guys,” Chabot said. “Now, we have Colin here for a while and we have me now, so that’s a big step in the right direction. There’s going to be Brady coming up (for negotiation), but for now we’ve just got to focus on what we have. Thomas Chabot signing creates new hope for Ottawa Senators fans “Last year, there were so many things about the trade deadline and all that. Now that is all behind us.”

Ken Warren Chabot also talked about being welcomed and accepted in Ottawa, saying he was comfortable being close to his Quebec home. It was a September 19, 2019 4:48 PM EDT major reason he never seriously thought about the possibility of leaving for what could have been more money and, at least in the shorter term, a more competitive team. Thomas Chabot brought a little bit of flair to the formal announcement of what he described as a “life-changing thing,” sporting a shiny black suit He didn’t finish the dream day without thanking the most important with a floral pattern. people in making it all happen.

At the same time, there was humility and maybe even a sense of “(Wednesday) at midnight, or 11:40 p.m., as soon as I got the contract, I disbelief that he has somehow landed in major lottery winner’s territory called my parents,” he said. “They were sleeping. They didn’t mind. It’s largely because he was born with the ability to skate like the wind. just fantastic for my family. If it wasn’t for my parents ruining their entire weekends, their whole life, just to bring me to the hockey rink, I wouldn’t At the tender age of 22, the slick Ottawa Senators defenceman now has be here. a guaranteed $64-million contract through the end of the 2027-28 season. “I owe everything to them. We’re very happy.”

No wonder he talked about everything “going a little fast” late Wednesday and early Thursday before the Senators woke up the city with the biggest Ottawa Sun LOADED: 09.20.2019 deal in franchise history.

“To have the chance to play in the best hockey league in the world and when a team says that they want to rebuild and you’re the big part of it, I think it’s just…you’re lucky to have that, to be honest,” Chabot said. “It’s a big chance for you as a hockey player.”

It was a day many Senators fans thought might never happen. Naturally skeptical about the organization’s promises for the future because of the pain of the past, including the losses of stars Erik Karlsson, Mark Stone and Matt Duchene last season, there was a fear that Chabot would be the next one to go.

Chabot could have become a restricted free agent next summer, creating more nightmare scenarios for fans who dared look too far ahead.

There was the risk of a lucrative offer sheet from a rival National Hockey League club, which would either have forced the Senators to overpay to match or to risk dealing him for a boatload of future draft picks.

Failing that, it was also hard not to foresee the potential for a drawn-out contract fight next fall, similar to what the Winnipeg Jets are facing with Patrick Laine and Kyle Connor and where the Colorado Avalanche sit with Mikko Rantanen.

Chabot could have taken the route of Charlie McAvoy of Boston and Zack Werenski of Columbus, opting for a three-year extension that would allow him to test the unrestricted free-agent market.

If he had gambled and waited, he might very well have secured an even bigger payday down the road in an NHL world where the salary cap continues to rise every year. At the same time, he may also have opened himself up to the type of social media nastiness Toronto’s Mitch Marner endured before signing his six-year, $65-million extension with the Maple Leafs last week.

Clearly, though, Chabot wanted no part of any or all of the above.

“It’s very fun for it to be over,” he said. “You’re trying to focus, you’re trying to get ready for a season, but you hear about (other players). It’s part of being a human being. You think about it. It’s just the nature of it.”

Good, very good, by the Senators to begin the hope of a new season in such a positive manner. For the past several seasons, major contract distractions have hung over the organization like dark clouds.

While it sounds a tad sappy in the modern era of the big business of sports, Chabot is genuinely excited about growing into respectability along with the other promising youngsters in the organization. Centre Colin White, who just happens to have been born on the same day as Chabot, signed a six-year, $28.5-million extension in August.

Down the road, the Senators could face another major hurdle with left winger Brady Tkachuk, who could become a restricted free agent following the 2020-21 season, but for now there’s peace and quiet. And, dare we say it, hope. 1153458 Ottawa Senators young players in the fold, and the deal with Chabot re-affirms its intentions.

Down the road, conversations will begin with winger Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa Senators sign Thomas Chabot to eight-year, $64-million deal who’s heading into the second year of his entry-level contract.

“We’re growing as a team and you’re going to see us developing this year,” Dorion said. Bruce Garrioch Chabot was kept out of the lineup for Wednesday’s home pre-season September 19, 2019 4:35 PM EDT game against the Toronto Maple Leafs — a 4-3 victory was their second in a row against the Senators’ Ontario rivals — he wasn’t feeling well and

his agents were in town to finalize the deal, which was done around Thomas Chabot will be a stay at home defenceman. midnight.

The Ottawa Senators locked up their all-star blueliner Thursday by “It’s hard not to think about it as a hockey player, but I left it up to my signing him to a eight-year deal worth $64 million — an average of $8 agents and all I was focusing on was getting ready for a big season,” million per season — and it was hard for Chabot to wipe the smile off his Chabot said. “I knew I was coming to camp and I knew I was going to face during a news conference with general manager Pierre Dorion at play this year. Now that everything’s done and I’m going to be here for Canadian Tire Centre. the next nine years. I’m very happy and I’m proud to be here.

The 22-year-old Chabot, who was drafted No. 18 overall by the Senators “It’s going a little fast today. It’s amazing for me and my family, but to be in 2015, finished with 14 goals and 55 points in 71 games last season. here for the next nine years and to build a competitive team in the next couple of years can only be exciting.” Senators owner Eugene Melnyk and Dorion have maintained they’re going to build around their core young players and it’s a big commitment for the organization to sign Chabot to the richest contract ever awarded Ottawa Sun LOADED: 09.20.2019 by the National Hockey League club. It also shows that both sides believe this is the right move.

“Guys want to be here, guys want to be a part of it. When you look at it, to have the chance to play in the best hockey league in the world, and when a team says they want to rebuild and you’re a big part of it, you’re lucky to have that,” Chabot said. “It’s a big chance for a player.

“This is just where I want to be. I love the city, I love the fans here since the first day I showed up in Ottawa. Everybody has been great to me. I’m really looking forward to the next couple of years.”

The decision to keep Chabot long-term is a huge boost for the franchise because he has shown he can be the quarterback on defence and the Senators want to show the fan base they’re willing to do what it takes to keep young players in place to help them become contenders down the road.

“I am pleased that Thomas will be part our future success in Ottawa,” Melnyk said in an email to this newspaper Thursday. “This is a great day for our fans and our community.”

Last month, the Senators signed centre Colin White to a six-year extension worth an average of $4.75 million per season, and that played a role getting a deal done with Chabot. The two are good friends, and they see where this is headed with new head coach D.J. Smith and his staff taking over.

“Colin and I talked a lot over the summer, and, when he signed, he was very happy to be here for the next couple of years,” Chabot said. “It shows how much the guys want to be here, how much we want to build something together. There’s some work ahead of that with some ups and some downs because we’re young and we’re going to make mistakes.

“What counts is how much guys want to be here. Guys like being around each other and it just shows a lot about the type of people we have in our locker room.”

Dorion said Chabot was the kind of player the Senators wanted to build around because he was an impact player, and it should send a message to the fans that the team is ready to take the next step back to respectability.

“Thomas is committed to the Ottawa Senators and the direction we’re headed in,” Dorion said. “Today is a great day for Ottawa Senators fans.

“For us, we’ve had a plan. We knew there’d be some tough days, but now we’re looking forward to the great days and getting Thomas under contract is part of our long-term plan. There’s a long-term process here and we feel we’re definitely headed in the right direction. Having Thomas play for the nine prime years of his career is a great thing for our fans.”

Dorion is right on that front. Last season was difficult, as the Senators dealt top blueliner Erik Karlsson last September, followed by forwards Mark Stone, Matt Duchene and Ryan Dzingel at the deadline. The Senators have been steadfast that the money will be spent to keep key 1153459 Ottawa Senators But this is a deal with which both sides can be happy. Chabot got security at what looks like good market value for a player coming out of his ELC.

Signing Thomas Chabot should forge the credibility gap between A final piece to pave the way for the contract to be concluded was the Senators and fans NHLPA’s decision not to reopen the CBA, which was announced Monday. If the NHLPA had chosen to open the deal, it would have expired after this season. The CBA will now run through Sept. 15, 2022.

By Chris Stevenson It’s interesting to note that after earning $7 million a season in the first two years of the extension, Chabot’s salary drops to $4 million for 2022- Sep 19, 2019 23, a season that could potentially be interrupted by a work stoppage.

That’s his “lockout protection.” There have been many days, too many, really, when Ottawa Senators Chabot’s peak earning years in this deal are the three seasons beginning general manager Pierre Dorion has had to take to the podium at in 2024-25 when he will earn $10 million a season. That makes sense, Canadian Tire Centre to explain the departure of a star player. too. Those are his prime years and he will be paid accordingly. On Thursday, on what might prove to be one of the most significant days Given what’s happened with other RFA defencemen this summer, did in franchise history for a number of reasons, he could talk about a star Chabot get good value? choosing to stay. Let’s look at what Charlie McAvoy got from the Boston Bruins. He signed Dorion shared the podium with defenceman Thomas Chabot after the 22- a three-year deal worth $14.7 million. Three years from now, as an RFA, year-old agreed to the richest contract in franchise history, an eight-year he will have to sign a five-year deal worth at least $50.3 million to match extension worth $64-million. The contract binds Chabot, who’s entering what Chabot now has guaranteed. the final year of his ELC, to the Senators for the next nine seasons. That’s certainly not out of the question for McAvoy, who’s betting on After the trading of Erik Karlsson, Mark Stone and Matt Duchene in the himself, but nothing’s guaranteed. past year, there was a justified feeling among fans that this franchise, under this ownership, wasn’t capable of paying the price to keep its stars. The beauty for Chabot is he probably will have another big contract in Just as significantly, it couldn’t persuade a player like Stone, just 26 at him. Karlsson signed an eight-year, $92-million contract with the San the time, to buy into Dorion’s vision for a rebuild. Jose Sharks in June. He’s 29.

The strategic decision to embark on a rebuild was perceived by some to Chabot’s deal expires in 2028 when he’s 31. be nothing more than an excuse to go cheap. The thing that really matters at this point is both the Chabot camp and Since the departure of the Big Three, some fans had plunged into a the Senators — and we assume a lot of Senators fans — are quite happy cynical funk. They fretted that when the opportunity arose it would be with their deal. inevitable that the next wave of young star players would play out their entry-level deals and pray for an offer sheet. “It was a combination of everything, security, structure, the largest contract in Senators history,” Pulver said. “Thomas is, like any other “It’s not anything I ever really thought about,” Chabot said. player, betting on himself to be really, really, really good. There were a whole bunch of things that came into it. I think he loves Ottawa. He is a “There was never a burn to leave like others have,” said Chabot’s agent, unique person that has been brought up the right way by his parents. He Ian Pulver. “He wants to give it a go here. But that’s his character. He’s a identifies with the people of Ottawa.” good soul and he identifies well here.” And now hockey fans in Ottawa can invest in him. They can buy a In one morning, the outlook for this team was transformed from grim sweater with the No. 72 on the back knowing the odds are pretty good foreboding to — could it be — optimism the build toward Five Years of they’ll get more than a few winters out of it. Unparalleled Success™ is on track? They can go to a game and look out onto the ice and dare to dream how There was a long list of happy people at Canadian Tire Centre on far a Chabot or a Colin White might take their team in a couple years’ Thursday and somewhere near the top had to be rookie coach D.J. time. Smith. For a man whose tenure as a head coach is still measured in months, knowing he can count on the presence of a player he envisions Dorion said he had a plan last February and the owner said he’d ante up as another Scott Niedermayer is somewhat reassuring, you’d think. when the time came for Unparalleled Success™. They’ve honoured the plan so far. “It’s an outstanding day for us. As an organization and certainly as a coach to have a player of that calibre that you know you have the Some people are never going to get past their feelings about ownership. opportunity to work with and grow with as a team for eight years is They won’t forgive things that were said, the LeBreton fiasco, the trading outstanding. He is one of the game’s best defencemen and I think he has of Karlsson and Stone and they won’t spend their money with Eugene a chance to be one of, if not the best,” Smith said. Melnyk. That’s their right.

Smith drew the comparison to Niedermayer, who helped the New Jersey Those are going to be wounds that will never heal for some fans. They Devils and Anaheim Ducks win Stanley Cups and a Norris Trophy and will probably comment below that the real test is signing Brady Tkachuk Conn Smythe for himself. next summer.

“I think (Chabot’s) offensive side is unbelievable. I look back on teams But the feeling Thursday was one decision and a few strokes of a pen by that have won championships, (players) like Niedermayer that eventually a 22-year-old has done what no words from management or dollars he was the shutdown, offensive, he was the everything guy and that’s poured into a marketing campaign could ever accomplish: restored some what I see with Thomas. He’s not just an offensive guy. … He has just credibility to a franchise desperately in need of it. unbelievable hockey sense and he’s going to make everyone around him better. It remains to be seen, but the signing of White to a six-year deal last month looked like a step toward crossing the credibility gap between the “He could play 30 minutes right now if he had to. You’re going to see this Senators and many of their fans. guy play against top lines and also, power play, penalty kill. That’s why you lock someone up like that. This guy can play in all situations and lead History will show the signing of Chabot was a giant leap. all over the ice.” The five biggest contracts in Senators history: The Senators have Chabot for what looks like a very reasonable AAV of Thomas Chabot, 2019: 8 years/$64M ($8M AAV) $8 million. It might look even better halfway through the deal. If the salary cap goes up with the addition of the potential new money from legalized Bobby Ryan, 2014: 7 years/$50.75M ($7.25M AAV) gambling and a new U.S. broadcast deal, Chabot’s deal is going to look even better. Jason Spezza, 2007: 7 years/$49M ($7M AAV) Erik Karlsson, 2012: 7 years/$45.5M ($6.5M AAV)

Dany Heatley, 2007: 6 years/$45M ($7.5M AAV)

The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153460 Ottawa Senators in mid-December last season, Chabot led all NHL defencemen in 5-on-5 minutes and topped 28 minutes in a game three times. Those numbers show just how much the Senators were relying on No. 72.

Thomas Chabot’s eight-year extension shows faith in Senators’ plans to Furthermore, he was battling for the scoring lead among defencemen rebuild with 38 points in 38 games before he took a high hit from New York Islanders forward Matt Martin and sustained a shoulder injury on Dec. 28. He missed eight games and didn’t have the same form upon his return.

By Hailey Salvian This year is a chance for Chabot to get back to dominance.

Sep 19, 2019 “I knew I had a good season last year, but I knew I could be a better player, and that’s something we’re going to work on during the next

couple of years,” he said about his success. “It’s all about getting better Thomas Chabot isn’t going anywhere. in my own zone and, it’s never going to be perfect, but if we can get really close to that I think it’s going to be a good thing for us as a team.” A week into training camp, and two months since Chabot became eligible to sign a contract extension, Senators general manager Pierre Dorion After the significant losses of players like Erik Karlsson, Mark Stone and locked up his star defenceman and one of the faces of the franchise for Duchene, Chabot and teammate Colin White finally represent examples years to come. of the Senators keeping their young foundational players. Locking both young stars in long term is just one piece of what management believes Chabot made a lengthy commitment to the Senators by signing an eight- is a path back to success. year, $64-million extension. The contract, which begins in the 2020-21 season and runs through 2027-28, carries an $8-million AAV. This makes “We knew there would be some tough days, but now we’re looking Chabot the highest-paid player on the team and it’s the most lucrative forward to the great days and getting Thomas under contract is part of contract the Senators have ever handed out. our long-term plan,” Dorion said. “There’s a long-term process here, but we feel we’re definitely headed in the right direction having Thomas play, The contract carries a 10-team no-trade clause in the final four years of probably for the nine prime years of his career for the Ottawa Senators is the deal. The eight-year pact breaks down to $7 million in in 2020-21, $4 a great thing for us.” million in 2022-23, $8 million in 2023-24, $10 million in 2024-25, $10 million in 2025-26, $10 million in 2026-27 and $8 million in 2027-28. Seeing White become the first player to take the plunge and commit long There are no signing bonuses. term was “huge” for the organization, Chabot said.

At an $8-million AAV, this deal could be a huge bargain for the Senators “It shows how much guys want to be here and how much we want to in the years to come if Chabot lives up to the Norris Trophy expectations build something together,” he said. “Obviously there’s some work ahead that have been set by his former teammate Matt Duchene, among others. of that, there’s going to be some ups and some downs because we’re young, we’re all going to make mistakes, it doesn’t matter. But at the end “He’s an absolute stud in the making,” Duchene told The Athletic’s Craig of the day what counts is how much the guys want to be here. How much Custance at the player tour in Chicago. “He’s going to win a Norris guys like being around each other and that just shows a lot about the Trophy, pretty much guarantee that.” type of people we have in our locker room.”

Long-term deals like this signed at this stage of a young player’s career The rebuild isn’t always going to be sunshine and daisies. The players are always a gamble, but this should be a safe one. and organization know that. But for Chabot, regardless of the ups and downs, Ottawa is where he wants to be. According to Chabot’s agent Ian Pulver, the NHLPA’s decision not to re- open to CBA was the final detail that paved the way for the deal to be “I love the city, I love the fans here,” he said. “Since the first day I showed completed. It’s interesting to note that the actual salary paid in 2022-23, up to Ottawa everything has been great, everybody has been great to me the year when the current CBA expires, drops to $4 million. so I’m really looking forward to the next couple of years.”

The deal came together on Wednesday night after the Senators’ 4-3 preseason win over the Leafs, a game that Chabot missed due to an illness. The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019

“We first sat down shortly after July 1, I don’t think we need to get into all the details, but we knew we could find a solution here,” Dorion said about the process. “We talked to (Chabot’s agents) about our long-term plan, which they relayed to Thomas about our vision, and how we see the Senators being successful and we were able to get something done as of very late last night.

“From the first time we sat down, both parties wanted a long-term contract, but I think that says a lot about Thomas’ commitment to the Ottawa Senators and our long-term plan.”

It’s a significant move for the Senators both in value and what it represents for the club that has committed to a rebuild after finishing 30th and 31st in the NHL over the last two years. What this represents is a top player committing to the plan, willing to help build something in Ottawa. The deal also saves the team from what could have led to an offer-sheet had he not signed by July 1 this summer.

It also avoids having to face the stream of questions throughout the season about Chabot’s long-term plans, putting an already fragile fanbase in a constant state of worry. Now, that’s no longer the case.

“I knew I was coming to camp, and I was going to play this year, but obviously now that everything’s done that I’m going to be here for the next nine years this is something that I’m very happy (about),” Chabot said. “I’m very proud to be here.”

Chabot, who was selected 18th overall in the 2015 Draft, has scored 23 goals and tallied 80 points in 134 games in the NHL.

Last season, with key minutes up for grabs after Erik Karlsson was traded on the eve of training camp, Chabot stepped up. Through games 1153461 Ottawa Senators The Jets still haven’t re-signed wingers Patrick Laine or Kyle Connor and certainly, they’re in a more precarious cap situation than Colorado. I think Connor is the first to sign and then we’ll see what happens with Laine, who has always seemed destined for a bridge deal but so far finding the LeBrun: Why it’s a good time to be shopping for a D-man and why right AAV for that shorter deal has been elusive. Thomas Chabot extension will be a steal for Sens While in Tampa, in his first true test as Lightning GM, Julien BriseBois seems to be holding pretty firm with unsigned RFA center Brayden Point. A source told me on Thursday morning that the two sides remain far By Pierre LeBrun apart. Ditto on the Matthew Tkachuk front, which was status quo as of Sep 19, 2019 Wednesday.

No doubt there will be some GMs complaining that yet another player hits it big coming of entry-level, but my humble opinion is that the Ottawa For a league where one of the main complaints over the years has been Senators will look really good when all is said and done on the $64- the lack of available defensemen on the trade market, it’s actually a million, eight-year contract extension with Thomas Chabot. decent time to go shopping. Look no further than what the likes of Matt Duchene and Mathew Barzal It’s widely known that Justin Faulk is available in Carolina — a potential told our Athletic crew at the Player Tour in Chicago a few weeks ago trade with Anaheim falling through recently — and that the Sabres are when asked about Chabot, both saying they believe he would be in listening to offers on Rasmus Ristolainen, a player seemingly open to a Norris Trophy consideration one day. change of scenery. If that’s the case, an $8-million AAV will be a bargain when Norris Trophy But don’t forget the Columbus Blue Jackets in all this. They’re 10-11 types are worth well north of that. deep in NHL blueliners and outside of Seth Jones and Zach Werenski, who aren’t going anywhere, it’s anyone’s guess on the remaining lot. Of course, long-term deals signed at this stage of a player’s career are There’s Ryan Murray, David Savard, Markus Nutivaara, Scott Harrington, always a gamble. That’s a lot of money for a 22-year-old. But I think it’s a Dean Kukan, Adam Clendening, Vladislav Gavrikov, Gabriel Carlsson smart gamble nonetheless. Good job here by GM Pierre Dorion. and the sense is Andrew Peeke isn’t that far off from making the jump. And furthermore, for a franchise that parted ways with Erik Karlsson and One of those D could certainly move within the next few weeks. Of that Mark Stone while they were still in their prime — the Stone divorce still lot, I would think the veterans Murray and Savard would interest most really stings the franchise — being able to get this done with Chabot depending on a team’s need on the left (Murray) or right (Savard) side. almost a year before his entry-level deal expires, and avoid the kind of One source suggested Thursday that the Florida Panthers covet a RFA standoffs we are seeing around the NHL, that also carries weight for shutdown, left-side D. It doesn’t sound like something that has any a franchise that has taken its share of hits. urgency to it but it is an organizational wish list item for this season. The Not that Chabot hasn’t done well here, either. The $64 million negotiated Panthers have the smooth-skating Keith Yandle and Mike Matheson on by his agents Ian Pulver and Dominic DeBlois is the highest total amount the left side but would like to also add a more stay-at-home, shutdown ever given to a defenceman coming out of their entry-level contract. It’s type on the left. lots of money for a player his age. I just think he will quickly outplay that The Winnipeg Jets are a team to watch, already dramatically depleted on deal because he’s that good. the blueline by the offseason losses of Jacob Trouba, Tyler Myers and

Ben Chiarot and now the news, first reported by my TSN colleague Bob McKenzie, that Dustin Byfuglien is taking time to reflect on his playing The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 future (wish that guy all the best, one of my favorite players to watch and deal with over the years).

As I tweeted in the aftermath of that, it would make sense that the Jets would be monitoring the Faulk and Ristolainen situations as a fallback in case Byfuglien retires, but there’s also Columbus’ blueline depth that the Jets could reach into if they saw fit.

The Ducks, meanwhile, have also checked in on Ristolainen, according to sources. But the price from the Sabres was high. And it probably should be, given that Ristolainen has three more years at a very good cap hit, $5.4 million. The Sabres aren’t going to give the guy away. I would think within two to three weeks of the regular season getting underway, we should have a good idea of how the Ristolainen situation plays out.

Speaking of the Jackets …

Colleague Aaron Portzline reminded us earlier this week that Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen has lots of cap space and is believed to be closely monitoring the RFA situation.

Some wonder if Kekalainen would be tempted to offer sheet his countryman Mikko Rantanen but I highly doubt he would. Hey, I’ve been wrong many times, but I think the Jackets GM would look at the massive cap space in Colorado and see that as a losing proposition, the Avs would match in a heartbeat.

Colorado made a long-term offer to Rantanen’s camp earlier this month but since then, not a whole lot of movement. The Avs aren’t going to pay Mitch Marner money even if agent Mike Liut can make a decent argument that his client Rantanen deserves to be in that conversation.

But offer sheeting Colorado makes zero sense. There’s a reason the Avs kept their cap space open this offseason. This was it.

If you’re going to prey on a cap-challenged team, it’s Tampa Bay, Calgary or Winnipeg. 1153462 Philadelphia Flyers and played it well, whereas we’re a little bit in the thinking mode on the ice, and it makes us look a little hesitant. We have a lot of work to do, and we’ll do it.” … The power play is 0 for 13, and the penalty kill is 9 for 9. … Connor Clifton came out of the penalty box and beat Alex Lyon on a Morgan Frost gives strong showing, but Flyers lose to Bruins 3-1 and breakaway to give the Bruins a 3-1 lead with 3:45 left. stay winless in preseason

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 09.20.2019 by Sam Carchidi

New coach Alain Vigneault said Thursday he does not know whether Patrick — who has been skating on his own but hasn’t participated in camp because of an unspecified upper-body injury — will be ready for the Oct. 4 opener against Chicago in Prague.

Patrick’s absence has opened the door for hotshot prospect Morgan Frost, who was a candidate for the third-line right-wing spot but is now viewed as a potential replacement for Patrick.

Frost, 20, was hindered by a groin injury before making his first preseason appearance Thursday, in a 3-1 loss to the Boston Bruins at the Wells Fargo Center.

He made the most of it — sort of.

Frost didn’t score, but he was in the middle of more golden scoring chances than anyone on the ice.

In the first 13 minutes, 20 seconds, Frost was robbed twice by Boston goalie Jaroslav Halak — as he tried to finish a two-on-one with Andy Andreoff, and when he shot a rebound into Halak’s glove (the goalie didn’t know he had it) with the Flyers on a power play.

Frost held his head in disbelief on the second save, which followed his deflection that kissed the right post.

“I don’t know how he saved that, to be honest,” Frost said after the Flyers (0-2-1) lost to what amounted to the Bruins’ B team.

Frost centered veteran wingers James van Riemsdyk and Jake Voracek, and he was much more effective than in his lone preseason game last year.

“I just felt more comfortable going into the game tonight, especially playing with guys like JVR and Jake," Frost said. “It definitely helps with your confidence and made things a little easier tonight.”

Frost, whose team was outshot, 34-24, also had a good scoring chance midway through the second period, but he couldn’t finish.

“He had a couple good looks. I definitely can see the skill in him,” Vigneault said. "He’s got some upside."

While Frost was centering the second line, rookie Joel Farabee played right wing on the top unit, which included Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier, veteran stars playing their first preseason game this year.

“Those kids are getting a good opportunity,” Vigneault said about Farabee and Frost playing on top lines. “ … You want to put players in a situation where they’re going to have success. It does not mean that Frost may come back at some point and be on the fourth line, but right now, there’s some spots that are available.”

On defense, Ivan Provorov and Matt Niskanen were paired together in their first preseason appearances. Niskanen, from above the right circle, tied the score at 1-1 by drilling a high slap shot past Halak with 8:02 to go in the first period. Farabee caused havoc in front of the net.

“It was really good work by G and Coots down low,” said Farabee, referring to Giroux and Couturier. “They grinded it out for a bit, and then we got possession. I was able to free up some space in front of the net, and Niskanen put the puck right where he wanted it.”

With right winger Travis Konecny signed and probably ticketed for top- line duty, Farabee’s best chance to make the roster seems to be as the third-line right winger.

Breakaways

Brian Elliott played the first two periods and stopped 21 of 23 shots (. 913 save percentage). … The Flyers have managed just four goals in three preseason games. “It’s a process,” Vigneault said. “I think what you saw today was one team that knew their system, executed it without thinking, 1153463 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers up-tempo style suits Couturier just fine

By Wayne Fish / www.flyingfishhockey.com

Posted Sep 19, 2019 at 9:00 PM

PHILADELPHIA — When Flyers coach Alain Vigneault announced he wanted to implement a new, up-tempo style to his team this year, Sean Couturier’s eyes must have lit up.

The veteran center thrives on quick movement of the puck.

There’s a good chance he once again he will be paired with Claude Giroux on a top line, so speed is of the essence.

″(Vigneault) seems to be really prepared and knows what he wants from his players,″ Couturier said. “So far, practice has been high paced, a lot of drills, but high tempo, quick. Everyone seems to be in good shape, and we are just trying to get better every day and give a good impression.″

Couturier enjoyed a breakthrough season two years back when he shattered his personal-best goal total for a season with 31, earning runner-up finish for the Frank Selke Trophy (best NHL defensive forward).

He followed that up with 33 goals last year, equaling his career best of 76 points.

Look for more of the same this year, especially with Vigneault at the control board.

There’s a possibility Couturier could see some playing time with rookie Joel Farabee, who is no slouch in the quickness department either.

Couturier, Giroux and Farabee were together for Thursday night’s game against the Boston Bruins at the Wells Fargo Center.

“He (Farabee) has been fun to play with,″ Couturier said. “He seems to be a smart player and has good skills. I like the way he thinks the game. He already knows what plays to make before getting the puck and it’s good for a young player to adapt to the speed.″

Vigneault had Giroux and Couturier matched up against rookies Isaac Ratcliffe and Morgan Frost respectively in a practice drill.

It was a learning experience for the two kids.

“Those two kids are learning what the NHL pace is,″ Vigneault said. “There’s no doubt that Coots, Giroux and Farabee, they were dominant in the little five-on-five competitions that we had, whether it be on the forecheck or the offensive zone play. It was good to see.

“I think for those two young men going against two elite players is a good thing. You see the pace, you see the intensity. A couple of times, G on his backcheck stripped them of the puck. You just see that those guys never stop and are always moving.″

It might take a while for the Flyers to get a handle on exactly how Vigneault wants his team to play.

“It takes a little bit of time when you working with a new staff that’s got maybe a little different outlook on how you do things with the puck and without the puck,″ Vigneault said.

Short shots

Rookie Kurtis Gabriel has what amounts to a significant injury. Gabriel suffered a lower-body injury in Tuesday night’s overtime 3-2 loss at Long Island and is listed as week to week ... The Flyers will face the New York Rangers on Saturday night at the Wells Fargo Center.

Burlington County Times LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153464 Philadelphia Flyers said Monday. "The players make the decisions for us by how they play, how they continue to improve.

"As camp moves forwards, competition is going to get better, it's going to Alain Vigneault asked for something and has yet to get it in Flyers get more demanding on everybody. They'll make the decisions for us by preseason how they play, how they compete and how they perform."

Vigneault asked for surprises.

By Jordan Hall With four exhibition games left, who's going to give him one?

September 20, 2019 1:45 AM

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.20.2019

Alain Vigneault put out his hands as if he wanted a hug.

The head coach was speaking passionately about training camp competition.

He pleaded for one thing.

"You need surprises," Vigneault said last Saturday after Day 2 of Flyers training camp. "We need some of these young kids to step up and force us into some decisions. That's how your team gets better and we're going to give them an opportunity to do that."

Vigneault hasn't gotten any surprises … yet.

The Flyers could use them. They have a clear opening on their third line. They even have two when you factor in Nolan Patrick's injury. Tyler Pitlick, a projected bottom-six guy, is also hurt. Their defensive pairings are far from sacrosanct.

Spots are everywhere.

But three exhibition games down, the Flyers have heard only knocks on the door.

Nobody has barged in.

"The battle for the bottom six is, in my mind, fully on," Vigneault said Thursday after morning skate. "It's good. We've got some decisions to make in those positions."

While Morgan Frost's preseason got off to a positive start in Thursday night's 3-1 loss (see observations), the 20-year-old playmaker failed to crack the score sheet playing between James van Riemsdyk and Jakub Voracek.

Joel Farabee has impressed during camp and shown flashes in two games, but hasn't blown away the rest. Similar to Frost, Farabee played with high-end talent Thursday — Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier — and couldn't capitalize with production.

German Rubtsov looked a bit tired Thursday and justifiably so as he was playing his third game in four days. The 21-year-old center has done the little things well.

Mikhail Vorobyev, last year's preseason darling (six points in six games), has played not-so-glamorous minutes and on the penalty kill.

Nicolas Aube-Kubel had one of the better performances in the second preseason game but was quiet on the third line and second-unit power play Thursday.

Isaac Ratcliffe brought plenty of intrigue into camp but progression in the AHL will be first on his plate.

Connor Bunnaman has shown promise but seems destined for his second season with AHL affiliate , as does Carsen Twarynski.

The older roster hopefuls haven't crushed the kids, either. Andy Andreoff has been inconsistent through two games, Chris Stewart fought in the opener and Kurtis Gabriel is hurt.

The Flyers' four preseason goals have come from van Riemsdyk, Matt Niskanen, Michael Raffl and Chris Bigras.

The remaining preseason slate will be amplified, growing in importance and starting Saturday night against the Rangers at the Wells Fargo Center.

"One of the things I've found throughout the years is people say that we make the decisions, but we really don't make the decisions," Vigneault 1153465 Philadelphia Flyers

Thursday night's Flyers game was a little gritty ... no wait, it HAD a little Gritty

By Brooke Destra

September 19, 2019 9:05 PM

Gritty is already in midseason form but who knew he’d be in a run for his money (or however Gritty gets paid) rinkside before the Flyers' third preseason game?

Thursday night at the Wells Fargo Center, a mini Gritty was spotted learning the ropes from the mascot himself.

Once Gritty was over the initial shock of it all, he put his miniature self to the ultimate test and examined the authenticity of his fur and even threw a few classic moves his way.

It was like he was looking in a mirror — sort of. And you have to admit, the entire interaction is pretty adorable.

It’s safe to say Gritty was impressed ... and if you can impress the best mascot in the NHL, you’re certainly doing something right.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153466 Philadelphia Flyers

Prospects get their shot, competition still up for grabs, more from Flyers' preseason loss to Bruins

By Jordan Hall

September 19, 2019 9:33 PM

The Flyers are winless in the preseason through three games after losing to the Bruins, 3-1, Thursday night.

They haven't scored on the power play and have just four goals total. It's the preseason, though, so nothing to freak out about.

The Flyers have four exhibition games remaining.

Let's get into some observations from the third:

• Morgan Frost was denied a few times in front, including this absolute robbery by Jaroslav Halak.

Frost didn't put up numbers offensively but he showed his skill and was actually at his best on the forecheck. He played hard and didn't look out of place defensively, which is a major plus. The 20-year-old was a positive in his first preseason action.

• Joel Farabee had a so-so game. He created room in front of the net on Matt Niskanen's goal but didn't stand out. It would have been nice to see Farabee or Frost finish some scoring chances. Production will win you a job and on a night when those two prospects played with high-end NHL talent, they didn't produce. The two haven't hurt themselves, but the Flyers will want to see more.

• Claude Giroux looked like himself in his first preseason game. He slipped a pretty pass to Niskanen for the Flyers' only goal. One thing the 32-year-old defenseman provides is sneaky offensive ability, which the Flyers didn't get from their older blueliners last season. Niskanen can help Shayne Gostisbehere and Ivan Provorov.

• Speaking of defensemen, Justin Braun has been good. General manager Chuck Fletcher and head coach Alain Vigneault have praised his active stick and we've seen it consistently break up plays.

• The Bruins made a couple of sharp plays on both goals against Brian Elliott, who performed well with 22 saves in two periods of work.

Alex Lyon played the third frame and allowed a breakaway goal.

• The Flyers' third line of Andy Andreoff, German Rubtsov and Nicolas Aube-Kubel was important to watch because all three players are vying for a bottom-six spot. The group was quiet but Andreoff, who was hardly visible in Tuesday's loss, looked better. He was active, fast and opportunistic offensively, creating a chance for Frost early in the game.

Let's be honest, though, nobody has knocked the door down like Mikhail Vorobyev did last preseason, which makes the final four exhibition games that more important (see story).

Travis Konecny is expected to make his preseason debut (see story). Let's see if he can be a spark.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153467 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers vs. Bruins preseason: Live stream, storylines, game time and more

By Jordan Hall

September 19, 2019 4:45 PM

VOORHEES, N.J. — It might be the best chance for Morgan Frost to prove himself.

The same can be said for Joel Farabee.

The Flyers will feature two of their brightest prospects in big spots Thursday night as the team continues its preseason against the Bruins.

The 19-year-old Farabee is a dynamic winger with an advanced hockey IQ and relentless effort. His case for the roster has strengthened ever since rookie camp and Thursday presents an ideal scenario for Farabee to garner more attention.

"I'm with probably the two-best players," Farabee said, "I think this is my best opportunity to showcase what I can do."

During training camp practices, the chemistry between Giroux, Couturier and Farabee looked natural. Couturier, the Flyers' first-line center, has been impressed by the 2018 first-round pick.

The little things, the little plays he does along the boards as a winger, especially as a center coming down the middle when you have some speed, he doesn't slow you down, he knows where you are and he knows where to put the puck. You can get a good read off of him knowing that whatever situation he's put in, he'll put the puck on your tape and find you. He's looking for you, he's looking to make plays. It's pretty nice to see from a young player.

• German Rubtsov is playing his third game in the last four days. The Flyers want a long look at the 21-year-old center and, so far, they've liked what they've seen. Nolan Patrick's injury has opened the door a bit for Rubtsov, Frost and some other centers.

"From the rookie camp to now, his pace has gotten better, I liked the fact that defensively, he seems responsible," Vigneault said of Rubtsov. "Right now, if he were to make our team, it would be more on that bottom six. That's where we're putting him, you've got to be able to kill penalties, he's a centerman, take faceoffs. With Nolan being out, it gives opportunities to other guys. He's getting a good look … we're going to continue this."

• Thursday will be the first time seeing the defensive duo of Ivan Provorov and Matt Niskanen. It could be the Flyers' top pair for the Oct. 4 season opener. Both move the puck up ice and Niskanen's presence should relieve some pressure off of the 22-year-old Provorov's shoulders.

• Brian Elliott will be in net for the first two periods. The next step for the backup goalie will be a full game. Carter Hart will also play two periods his next time out, then a full game.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153468 Philadelphia Flyers

Matt Niskanen: Claude Giroux 'holds his own, for sure,' in trash-talking

By Jordan Hall

September 19, 2019 3:30 PM

Matt Niskanen has played 38 career games against the Flyers, so he's seen Philadelphia a lot.

Since 2011, the 32-year-old played 390 games for the Capitals and 214 for the Penguins. Those two teams aren't liked too much around the .

He was on the Capitals when bracelets were thrown on the ice by frustrated Flyers fans during the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He was on the Penguins during 2012, when the Flyers last won a postseason series by beating Pittsburgh in the first round.

Now, he's wearing Flyers orange with Claude Giroux and company.

Following an offseason trade from the Capitals, he's embracing the opportunity to be on the Flyers' side for a change.

I've played two playoff series against the Flyers in my career," Niskanen said last month in a sit-down interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia's Taryn Hatcher and Derek Souders. "Things have gotten a little heated, a couple wild ones, a couple wild games, too. There's been some yapping back and forth and Giroux holds his own, for sure.

I won't dive into what he has said to me in the past, but yeah we've chatted before on the ice, I'll put it that way.

Niskanen won the 2018 Stanley Cup with the Capitals and the Flyers are expecting him to impact their young defensemen. Over the past six seasons, Niskanen has averaged 22:31 minutes per game while compiling a plus-91 mark. He is a skilled puck mover, which leads to positive goal prevention.

He has 125 career postseason games on his résumé. Prior to this offseason, Giroux had played the most playoff games on the Flyers' roster with 69.

Niskanen's experience is a welcomed addition for the Flyers.

"Played in Pittsburgh, who everybody seems to hate," Niskanen said. "Washington, who has had success recently, so they've been the hunted. And now in Philly, where it's rowdy. Games get physical, they can get nasty — you never leave Philly without a couple of bruises. It's going to be fun to see all three sides of this. I think Philly missing the playoffs last year, we're going to be the ones on the hunt this year — hungry, trying to get back into the playoff picture and try to leave a mark.

"We're going to chase down those teams and we might have to knock one of them out of the playoff picture. Wouldn't that be sweet?"

For more from Niskanen on the Flyers' young blueliners, winning the Stanley Cup and his expectations, watch the "Break the Ice" video above.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153469 Philadelphia Flyers Since being drafted 27th overall by the Flyers in 2017, Frost hasn't had an audition like this one. Just how quickly can he show the Flyers he's ready for the part?

No longer watching James van Riemsdyk, Flyers prospect Morgan Frost gets eye-opening audition Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.20.2019

By Jordan Hall

September 19, 2019 1:55 PM

VOORHEES, N.J. — If Morgan Frost had trouble sleeping last night, it would be completely understandable.

On Wednesday, when he saw his name written next to James van Riemsdyk's, his eyes widened.

"It was pretty cool," he said Thursday.

And for a few reasons.

Not only is this his best chance to showcase himself as he pushes for the Flyers' roster, but he's also playing alongside a guy he watched as a kid.

Growing up in the Toronto area, Frost was a Maple Leafs fan. From 2012-18, van Riemsdyk played for Toronto and delivered a pair of 30- goal seasons. On Thursday night at the Wells Fargo Center, the 20-year- old Frost will center van Riemsdyk and Jakub Voracek in the Flyers' third preseason game.

Pretty cool, huh?

"I was watching the Leafs a lot, so I've watched a lot of him and kind of know what he's about," Frost said of van Riemsdyk. "I like to be a playmaker and he can obviously score goals, so if I can set him up, I think there's a good chance he's going to put it in the back of the net."

Frost is just as excited for the opportunity. He played one preseason game last year before being sent back to his junior club and missed the Flyers' first two exhibition games this week because of a groin injury. If anyone knows that preseason games are precious, it's Frost.

Here, he gets a golden chance to make an impression on the Flyers' front office and coaching staff. Over the past six seasons, Voracek owns the NHL's seventh-most assists, while van Riemsdyk has scored the league's 19th-most goals.

I was talking to James van Riemsdyk and I said that Morgan Frost is a player that likes to pass, while he's a guy that can finish.

JVR's response:

"That sounds great to me, let's go, let's get out there."

"You want to put players in a situation where they can have success," Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault said. "That's what we're trying to do right now. It does not mean that Frost might not come back at some point and be on a fourth line, but right now, there are some spots that are available."

Leading up to camp, it appeared Frost's best shot at the Flyers was along the wing given the team had a bottom-six opening at the position. With Nolan Patrick's injury, Frost's window of opportunity has opened much more. Vigneault said the Flyers, right now, want to watch Frost at center and see what he can do between high-end talent.

"The battle for the bottom six is, in my mind, fully on," Vigneault said. "It's good. We've got some decisions to make in those positions."

Frost put up 221 points (79 goals, 142 assists) and a plus-103 rating in 125 regular-season games over his final two junior seasons with the OHL's Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

"You hear all the scouting reports on him," van Riemsdyk said. "Highly, highly skilled, very productive player, good instincts, smart player."

While Frost watched van Riemsdyk as a fan, Maple Leafs connections helped JVR learn a little bit about the prospect.

"The first time I remember hearing about him was in training camp last year," van Riemsdyk said. "Talking to some of my former teammates in Toronto who had played against him and I heard the same things — super, super skilled, really smart player." 1153470 Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia sports fans are renowned for their patience and even-keeled nature, right?

In all seriousness, this is a very big year for Patrick. The fact that he Eight observations from Philadelphia Flyers training camp didn’t deliver his breakout season in 2018-19 despite a stellar second half as a rookie was a legitimate disappointment, and it forced the Flyers to spend big money on Kevin Hayes to solve the 2C problem. But the signing – interpreted by some as a sign of dissatisfaction with Patrick – By Scott Burnside and Charlie O'Connor really was in part meant to help his development. Now, he’ll receive the Sep 19, 2019 benefit of easier (and fewer) minutes, and he can progress at his own pace rather than being thrust into a top-of-the-lineup role out of necessity.

The NHL’s regular season is less than two weeks away. Training camps Of course, for the plan to work, Patrick has to thrive in those minutes. are well under way and rosters are being whittled down on an almost Once he’s healthy, expect the new coaching staff to push him hard with daily basis around the NHL. the goal of helping him reach his full potential. How he responds to their efforts and his decreased role in 2019-20 will go a long way toward What did we learn from our recent visit to the Philadelphia Flyers’ training determining what kind of player Nolan Patrick is likely to be at the NHL camp, a visit which followed an early August visit to the Edmonton area level. with top young netminder Carter Hart? 3. Who can step up in Patrick’s absence? National NHL writer Scott Burnside and Flyers writer Charlie O’Connor deliver their observations from training camp on the eve of what promises Burnside: So, if Patrick is sidelined longer term or if he struggles who to be a pivotal season for the Flyers. stands to gain the most among the talented kids in camp? Joel Farabee, the 14th overall pick in 2018, was impressive early in camp skating with 1. Fly Or Die Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier. And he got a taste of having to Burnside: I always love the way the Flyers marketing staff has its finger answer questions from the media about the opportunity being afforded on the collective pulse of the fan base. This year’s tag line (or one of him, which is never a bad thing. Morgan Frost, the 27th overall pick in them) is “Fly Or Die.” (Get it? Flyers, dying for success, mash them 2017, had a slight groin issue early in camp but looked impressive up together and voila, Fly or Die.) It reminds me of the t-shirt the team put until that point. He is very quick on his feet and has great hands. Is there out in the spring of 2008 with the memorable phrase “Vengeance Now” someone else? The good news for the Flyers is that the cupboard seems or in the 2012 playoffs when there were Flyer-orange t-shirts (is there to be impressively stocked, and I know in talking to Vigneault that he is any other color in Philly?) with a likeness of Pittsburgh captain Sidney looking for some of the younger players to make a push, and make the Crosby that read, “Guess what? We don’t like you either.” Good times. coaches and management make some hard decisions. And my sense from hanging around for a few days both internally and O’Connor: Farabee is very much in the mix, but I’m not sure the externally is that there is at least cautious optimism about the myriad uncertainty surrounding Patrick impacts him too much, given the New changes to the organization since last training camp – new GM, new York-product’s status as a natural wing. Frost absolutely stood to benefit. head coach, revamped coaching staff, big free agent center acquisition, He’s skated exclusively at center so far at camp, but the groin issue is a burgeoning young goaltending phenom. I spoke to longtime captain and setback. It’s obviously not his fault, but if he wants to make his case, he executive Bob Clarke who thinks new GM Chuck Fletcher has in short better be ready to return to action either Thursday or Saturday. There just order redefined the team’s personality. aren’t many preseason games remaining before the team leaves for O’Connor: The best part about the Flyers’ marketing slogans is that even Europe late next week. If Frost can’t get right, the Patrick situation might when they come up with a not-so-great one – 2014’s “Clutch Time” actually benefit two lesser-known prospects in German Rubtsov and during the stretch run comes to mind – it ends up providing unintended Mikhail Vorobyev the most. Both are natural centers and both entered humor for online Flyers fans. Let’s just say the crew on Twitter got a lot of camp in the mix for roster spots. One fewer center absolutely means an ironic usage out of this image during Andrew MacDonald’s ill-fated tenure easier path to a Game 1 job for them. with the club. I dig “Fly or Die,” though. It’s a clever twist on the fanbase’s 4. The Hayes Impact “ride or die” loyalty to the club, and also inadvertently points out how rooting for this team during its period of mediocrity over the past half- Burnside: So many moving parts to what the Flyers have done in the decade has often felt like dying a slow death. offseason, and I think it’s fair to say one of the moves that raised the most eyebrows was the acquisition of free agent center Kevin Hayes, I do agree there is newfound optimism at Flyers HQ, though. Fletcher who signed a whopper seven-year deal with a $7.14 million average and the front office recognize that the “mindset change” that they are annual cap hit. That’s a ton of term and dollar for a guy who has hit the trying to implement – driven by the new coaching staff and key veteran 20-goal mark just once in his career. Of course, that just happened to be additions – might not take hold immediately. But training camp has been when Hayes was a New York Ranger and Vigneault was the head coach. very competitive thus far, and the players seem to be quickly buying in to That is not an inconsequential matter. and Hayes said Vigneault’s Alain Vigneault’s emphasis on pace, accountability and attention to presence behind the Philadelphia bench was a major factor in his signing detail. Fletcher called Friday “the best first day of camp” he had ever with the Flyers. I think it’s absolutely critical that Hayes become that seen, and it didn’t feel like a ridiculous statement. All good vibes dependable, productive No. 2 center behind Couturier (or 1A if you will), surrounding the Flyers right now, especially now that Ivan Provorov and which by extension takes some of the pressure off the aforementioned Travis Konecny have joined the fold. Patrick and allows him, in theory, better matchups as a third-line center, 2. Patrick missing camp while making the Flyers exponentially more difficult to play against given the size down the middle that Hayes represents. But can he stay healthy Burnside: With Travis Konecny finally under contract on a six-year deal enough to be that guy? If he can, the Flyers should settle in somewhere that seems to fit nicely with comparables around the NHL and, as you in the top four in the Metropolitan Division. If not. Yikes. But I certainly and The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn pointed out, might just be the most like what Hayes has done at camp thus far and in his first preseason equitable deal given to a rising young star in recent years, the biggest game, playing with James van Riemsdyk and Jakub Voracek he was absence from training camp is that of Nolan Patrick, who has been held arguably the best player on the ice. He told me that having a ready-made off the ice with an upper-body injury and is considered week to week. Not comfort zone with Vigneault is a bonus when coming to a new team. a great way for Patrick to start his third NHL season as the reviews remain very much mixed for the No. 2 pick in the 2017 draft. Strikes me O’Connor: The Flyers desperately needed a true second-line center. As that, with a new coaching staff, led by veteran bench boss Alain crazy as it sounds, you really have to go all the way back to the early part Vigneault and includes former head coaches Mike Yeo and Michel of this decade to find the last time they rolled with two centers that truly Therrien, this would have been a good clean slate for the talented center. frightened opponents, when Philadelphia could hit you with Giroux and Now he’ll be behind his teammates in terms of getting up to speed. It’s Danny Briere as a one-two punch. Couturier’s emergence at the position, definitely not ideal for a kid with 26 goals and 61 points to his credit in unfortunately, occurred at the same time as Giroux’s apparent decline, two seasons. and even though Giroux is now back to his old self, he’s on the wing. The Flyers have been a one-line team due to their center weakness for years, O’Connor: Well luckily, the Flyers faithful will give Patrick all the time in the world to develop into an impact NHL player before getting frustrated. and if Hayes can break that trend, it would go a long way toward helping round for the first time since their Cup win in 1993. His first Canucks the club return to contention. team so exceeded expectations that it earned Vigneault the Jack Adams award. And his first crack at making his mark on the Rangers ended up I’m confident that Hayes will make his mark in Philadelphia. He’s really turning into a run all the way to the Cup final. That’s the resume of a stood out in camp so far, and I believe in the skill set. Hayes won’t light coach who can execute a quick fix. the world on fire, but I’m expecting him to be a play-driving, 50-plus- points-a-year center. For a lot of people, the only 2C that will suffice is a I have some worries about how the three head coach mix on staff will player who is actually a 1C in terms of talent, and that’s not Hayes. He’s work, and also how a few of the young forwards might respond to the not a 1B to Couturier’s 1A. Still, he’s going to help this team a lot. Patrick demanding Therrien. But even if there ends up being an adjustment is much more of a question mark. I could see him taking a big step period in the first half of the season, I think Vigneault and his staff will forward in terms of efficiency in his third year, and I could imagine him ultimately have a successful Year 1. I respect the track record. stagnating or struggling with injury all year, too. If it all works out down the middle, however, I actually think the Flyers have upside in the Metro 7. A Moment far beyond finishing in the top-four. Couturier-Hayes-Patrick could be a Burnside: OK, so what’s your favorite moment, on or off the ice, thus far monster trio. Charlie? How about this. Matt Niskanen, who comes over from 5. Pressure on Hart Washington where he won a Stanley Cup in 2018, is a go-to guy in the dressing room because he is unfailingly honest and one of the more Burnside: Having spent some time with netminder Carter Hart in the thoughtful players you’ll meet in terms of talking all facets of the game. Edmonton area this summer, I can see why people believe that Hart may The Caps’ loss will be a big gain for the Flyers, who are expecting him to finally be the man to fill the decades-long void in goal for the Flyers. play a big role as a mentor to their top young defensemen like Ivan Personable, smart, focused. He’s got the tools to be an elite NHL Provorov and Shayne Gostisbehere. One day as I was leaving the rink, I netminder and he has looked very comfortable in camp thus far. It’s a ran into Niskanen’s agent, Neil Sheehy, who is not only a longstanding different dynamic than a year ago when he was headed to Allentown to player representative but a licensed neuromuscular therapist. Last start the season in the AHL. His midseason call-up helps his comfort season Sheehy helped the Wild’s Zach Parise and Ryan Suter through level as he looks to put his stamp on the No. 1 job, as he now some injury issues with Sheehy’s unique brand of therapy. Niskanen understands what he can expect in terms of the game on the ice and the pulled up in a rumbling black pickup truck that, by the way, seems to demands off. He was terrific in his first preseason action, too, which perfectly suit his blue-collar persona, and it turns out he, too, has been suggests a young man who isn’t taking anything for granted in spite of helped by Sheehy. Niskanen joked that he has learned not to ask too being anointed “the next one.” Still, it’s reasonable to expect some many questions about Sheehy’s deep tissue program but just trust that backsliding after turning in a .917 save percentage in 31 games last Sheehy is going to help fix what ails him. season. O’Connor: It’s always fun to meet the new faces in the dressing room, Fletcher opted to go with veteran Brian Elliott as Hart’s crease mate, and the Flyers have quite a few of them after an eventful offseason. On which makes sense if Elliott can stay healthy. If. So, what’s the optimum Saturday, I was watching drills and at the far end of the ice, it looked like workload for Hart and can he and Elliott push the team into the top half of Justin Braun had buried Chris Stewart and Travis Sanheim on the league in goals allowed after the Flyers were a miserable 29th in the consecutive reps. Story idea! “Braun immediately makes his mark league last season? Here’s my prediction. Hart doesn’t regress and plays physically at Flyers camp.” So I rush down to the dressing room, head somewhere between 50 and 55 games, and the Flyers move into the top over to Braun one-on-one for the first time, and eventually get around to 15 in goals allowed, which should be good enough to qualify for the bringing up the sequence. He cracks up, and notes that he shouldn’t get playoffs. credit for either of the hits. Stewart actually had tried to hit Braun and fell on his face, and Sanheim just lost his balance on his own. Braun said O’Connor: Man, it would be an amazing story if Hart follows up his he’d be happy to take credit for it, though! The story may have died a promising rookie year with a banner campaign. Philadelphia fans are quick death, but it was worth it to get a better handle on the personality of desperate for a goaltending savior, and Hart checks all the boxes. Even a new player. though the whole “they used eight goalies” thing became a punchline around the league, I don’t think outsiders fully grasp just how much the 8. The Skinny goaltending mess torpedoed the efforts of a pretty talented Flyers club in 2018-19. Hart doesn’t have to be great this year for the Flyers to improve Burnside: So, what does it all mean? Does all of the change and the dramatically, though they would certainly take it if he is. The 21-year old optimism amount to a hill of beans? Or rather does it add up to a place in just needs to deliver a solid sophomore season, and that should be the tournament next spring? In my mind, the Metropolitan Division is as enough to get the club back into the playoff hunt. compressed as it’s been in recent memory with an argument to be made for all eight teams as worthy of a postseason berth, although I will join the That said, a lot of great young goalies regress big time in their second throngs who think that maybe Columbus is in trouble. The Flyers are right seasons. Carey Price posted a 0.905 save percentage in Year 2 after there. So I’ll pencil them into fourth place in the Metro and owner of a taking the league by storm at age 20. Grant Fuhr took a backseat to wild card berth. Andy Moog back in 1982-83. Even Martin Brodeur slid to a 0.902 save percentage as a sophomore. Of course, Brodeur then more than made O’Connor: I see them ending up around the same spot as you do. I think up for it via a dominant playoff performance that year, and the Flyers the talent on this roster is being underrated a bit, and as I mentioned, would surely accept a mediocre sophomore regular season from Hart if Vigneault’s first years with new teams tend to go better than most expect. he ultimately leads them to a surprise Stanley Cup. But a stellar Year 2 I figure they’re still behind Washington, Carolina and Pittsburgh on paper, for Hart is far from a guarantee – even if the kid truly ends up being the but I’d put them up against any other team in the division, question marks real deal. and all. Now, should I root for a more winnable first-round matchup against a division foe, or a couple weeks in Florida during April? 6. So, About The Coaching

Burnside: So, we mentioned the arrival of Vigneault, a former Jack Adams winner who twice coached teams to the Stanley Cup final The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 (Canucks in 2011 and Rangers in 2014).The style that Vigneault favors is up-tempo, possession, emphasis on offense. But I’m wondering if, especially juxtaposed against the up and down tenure of former head coach Dave Hakstol who jumped right from the U.S. college ranks to the NHL, if it’s Vigneault’s presence and his resume that is as important as scheme in getting this team to respond. Several of the veteran players I spoke to were impressed with the detail-oriented approach to training camp, and historically Vigneault has gotten top efforts from experienced, talented teams in Vancouver and New York. My guess is the same will hold true here and that the learning curve with new staff will be short.

O’Connor: I don’t think it’s random chance that Vigneault’s teams have all made big improvements in the first year of his tenure. In Montreal, the 1997-98 Canadiens jumped up 10 standings points and won a playoff 1153471 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins defeat Blue Jackets in preseason home opener

SETH RORABAUGH

Thursday, September 19, 2019 9:47 p.m.

The Penguins defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets, 4-1, in a preseason game at PPG Paints Arena Thursday.

A power-play goal by new forward Alex Galchenyuk opened the scoring at 6:28 of the first period. Defenseman Justin Schultz moved the puck from the left point to forward Jake Guentzel on the right wall. Guentzel surveyed the offensive zone and dealt a cross-ice pass to Galchenyuk. He then gripped and ripped a wrister to the far side past the glove hand of goaltender Elvis Merzlikins. Assists went to Guentzel and Schultz.

Columbus evened the score at 7:58 of the second period. Collecting a puck behind the net, Blue Jackets forward Kevin Stenlund chopped it to the right of left of the crease past Penguins defenseman David Warsofsky. Forward Sonny Milano was able to draw in the puck and fire a wrister past the glove hand of goaltender Matt Murray from only 14 feet.

Guentzel restored the Penguins’ lead at 12:26 of the second. After forward Evgeni Malkin backhanded a bouncing pass off the right wing to the slot, Guentzel was able to settle the puck enough to whack a fluttering forehand shot which glanced off the left shoulder of Columbus goaltender Veini Vehvilainen and into the cage. Malkin and Schultz netted assists.

They made it a two-goal lead at the 6:03 mark in the third. Forward prospect Sam Lafferty won a faceoff in the Blue Jackets’ right circle, won a puck battle with help from forward Kasper Bjorkqvist and dug it free for Nathan Legare, the team’s third-round draft pick this year. Legare fired a wrister that beat Vehvilainen. Assists went to Lafferty and Kasper Bjorkvist.

Legare netted his second goal of the contest 23 seconds later. Bjorkqvist forced Columbus defenseman Gabriel Carlsson into a turnover in Columbus’ right circle and the puck slid to the slot where Legare boomed it past Vehvilainen.

Murray made 27 saves in the victory.

The Penguins improved their preseason mark to 1-0-1. Their next preseason game will be in Columbus on Saturday, 2 p.m.

Tribune Review LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153472 Pittsburgh Penguins “It was exciting,” Galchenyuk said. “It took some time to get used to (Malkin). But I feel we get more comfortable with each other out there. We’ll keep building. It’s only game one.

Alex Galchenyuk is finding a fit with Evgeni Malkin and the Penguins Throughout his career with the Montreal Canadiens and Coyotes, Galchenyuk, 25, has not enjoyed the luxury of playing on a line with anyone remotely as talented as Malkin, considered by some to be the greatest Russian player in NHL history. SETH RORABAUGH “His skill level, his creativity, his skating, it’s top notch,” Galchenyuk said. Thursday, September 19, 2019 7:20 p.m. “You’re always trying to go out there and work hard and learn something from him at the same time.”

In a way, it was just like old times for Evgeni Malkin on Thursday night at Galchenyuk isn’t a slouch himself considering he was drafted No. 3 PPG Paints Arena. overall by the Canadiens in 2012.

Both when last season closed with a playoff loss to the New York “You saw it tonight with the shot on the power play,” said Schultz. “He’s Islanders and when he played his first exhibition game of this season dynamic. He’s got some speed and skill. He’s fitting in really nice with us Thursday night, a 4-1 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets, he had a and we love having him.” 30-goal scorer from Wisconsin on his wing. In each of his past two seasons, Galchenyuk has been limited to 19 It used to be Madison’s Phil Kessel who flanked Malkin, but Kessel is goals. His career high came as a 21-year-old with the Canadiens when plying his trade in the Sonoran Desert with the Arizona Coyotes. he reached 30 goals while primarily playing on a line with Lars Eller and Max Pacioretty, each of whom is a sturdy, consistent talent. But neither is His replacement is one of the men he was traded for, Milwaukee’s Alex in the same mesosphere as Malkin. Galchenyuk. “They’ve been playing together all camp an they’ve got some good Possessing a birth certificate from a state far more renowned for chemistry right now,” said Schultz. “They’re all such good skill players. producing Gouda cheese than goal-scoring wingers is where the (Forward Brandon) Tanev’s got the speed to create stuff for them. And commonalities pretty much begin and end for Galchenyuk and Kessel. obviously those other two have great playmaking and can score. It’s going to be a dangerous line for us.” Galchenyuk is a left-handed shot. Kessel is a righty. It wouln’t be the first time the Penguins have tried to salvage a player’s Galchenyuk has had his career derailed at times because of injuries. career by mixing him in with the high-end talent this club boasts. Kessel hasn’t missed a game in nearly a decade. “It’s pretty easy to fit in here,” said Schultz, himself a reclamation project Galchenyuk speaks three languages. Kessel almost never spoke — general manager Jim Rutherford plucked out of Edmonton. “You’ve got a publicly — at all. lot of good leaders that have been through a lot and have won multiple One of Galchenyuk’s dialects is Russian. His father, Alexander Stanley Cups. I know they helped me. He feels comfortable here and Galchenyuk, is a native of Belarus, formerly a republic within the Soviet that’s what we want.” Union, and played for the Milwaukee Admirals of the defunct International Kessel was a point-per-game player in each of the past two seasons. Hockey League at the time of Alex’s birth in 1994. Galchenyuk acknowledged there are expectations for him to replace A common theory throughout Malkin’s career is a fellow Russian — or some of that production. someone at least fluent in the language — could provide a level of “I guess so,” he said. “But I’m coming in here, I’m not trying to think about comfort for the Penguins’ introverted superstar. Sergei Gonchar, formerly that. I’m just trying to work as hard as I can, compete, get my game back an all-star defenseman who is now an assistant coach, has filled that role and be ready for Game 1.” on and off during his various tenures with the organization. Note: Forward prospect Adam Johnson is day-to-day because of an Other experiments involving Ukrainians such as Ruslan Fedotenko and undisclosed injury, coach Mike Sullivan said. Johnson, who scored a goal Alexei Ponikarovsky and Russian Sergei Plotnikov had varying degrees in Monday’s 5-4 overtime loss to the Sabres, did not practice Tuesday. of success. Fedotenko skated on Malkin’s line during the team’s run to the Stanley Cup in 2009, and Ponikarovsky and Ploknikov lasted less than one season each with the franchise. Tribune Review LOADED: 09.20.2019 Considering Malkin’s success with Americans such as Kessel, Canadians such as James Neal and Czechs such as Petr Sykora, language or cultural barriers haven’t been insurmountable. If Malkin wants the puck, he has found ways to communicate that desire.

“I’m sure he’ll yell in Russian,” joked Galchenyuk, who also speaks Italian (his father played in Italy as well).” Just by skating out there a couple of times with him, you hear it in Russian or a little bit of English. I’ll figure out how to hear him.”

Galchenyuk scored the opening goal against the Blue Jackets. His first came on a power-play opportunity at 6:28 of the first period. Taking a cross-ice pass from forward Jake Guentzel, Galchenyuk gripped and rippe a wrister from above the left circle to the far side past the left shoulder of goltender Elvis Merzlikins.

“From where I was standing, it looked like a hell of a shot,” said defenseman Justin Schultz, who recorded a secondary assist on the score. “That’s what you’ve got to have on those flankers, you’ve got to shoot the puck and it will open up seams.”

He nearly scored again 30 seconds into the second period when Malkin created a two-on-one rush against Columbus defenseman Ryan Collins. Pushing the puck up the right wing, Malkin saucered a centering pass over a sliding Collins. Galchenyuk corralled the puck to the left of the crease and put a forehand shot on net. A brilliant right toe save by Merzlikins denied him of the score. 1153473 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins promotional schedule includes Mike Lange bobblehead night

Staff Report

TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Thursday, September 19, 2019 3:38 p.m.

The Penguins announced their promotional schedule for the 2019-20 season.

Highlighting the schedule will be a bobblehead night in recognition of Hockey Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Lange on Oct. 8.

General manager Jim Rutherford, who will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Nov. 18, also will be recognized with a bobblehead giveaway Nov. 19.

The team will stage several theme nights for the 1970s (Oct. 16), Halloween (Oct. 29), Star Wars (Dec. 10) and the 1990s (March 3).

Tribune Review LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153474 Pittsburgh Penguins

Justin Schultz may get elevated role on Penguins’ power play

SETH RORABAUGH

Thursday, September 19, 2019 1:36 p.m.

Less than a week into training camp, the Penguins have tinkered with a number of different looks on their top power-play squad.

As has been the case for most of the past decade, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have found themselves in familiar spots with Crosby positioned to the right of the cage while Malkin has been holding down the right circle.

Jake Guentzel has been serving as something of a mobile net-front presence while Kris Letang or Alex Galchenyuk have been mixed in on the left wall, occupying the role forward Phil Kessel deftly operated for four seasons.

While Letang has largely served as the point man for this power-play unit for several years, he has given way — in the early days of camp so far — to Justin Schultz.

Having missed 53 games due to a fractured left leg he suffered in the fourth game of 2018-19, Schultz was rarely at his peak physically last season. He enters 2019-20 fully healthy and figures to be a vital component to a dangerous power play.

“Obviously his real strength is his offensive instincts,” Mike Sullivan said. “So when we have him in our lineup, it just gives us one more guy that we can utilize in those types of situations. We’ve got (Letang) obviously that’s a dynamic offensive player. But to have two guys like we have in (Letang) and Justin, I think just makes us that much more difficult to play against.”

Having primarily used four forwards and one defenseman on the top unit for the past four years, the usage of two defensemen is a bit foreign. But considering the Penguins allowed a league-leading 15 short-handed goals last season, adopting more of a defensive presence was seemingly a requirement entering this season.

“We were used to the same unit for so long there with the same guys, it’s different,” says Schultz. “But both of us spend time on the second unit too and you ride two (defensemen) on that unit. It’s not that much of an adjustment.”

The left wall would appear to be a coveted spot based on the way Schultz describes it.

“The two (defensemen) look, I know me and (Letang) like it because either one of us are interchangeable,” Schultz said. “We just play either position. So whether you’re the flanker or the middle, it’s pretty easy for both us to switch where ever we end up. It’s pretty fun being that flanker bombing away. So we like it.”

Tribune Review LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153475 Pittsburgh Penguins forget about Patric Hornqvist, who sliced through Elvis Merzlikins’ sight line during the shot.

We’ll see more tinkering this preseason and perhaps early in the regular Five observations after Nathan Legare, new-look second line lead season, too. But those three can all bring something unique to the top Penguins past Columbus unit. Same with Justin Schultz, who is more willing than Letang to open fire from the point. So utilizing a few different personnel groupings might not be a bad idea.

MATT VENSEL Sullivan suggested he will try to keep all these guys involved this season.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 5. It was a sharp preseason debut for Matt Murray, who would like to get two or three of these under his belt before the regular season opener SEP 19, 2019 10:44 PM Oct. 3.

Murray wasn’t tested in the first period other than when he had to The Penguins lost their preseason opener Monday against a Buffalo smother Scott Harrington’s one-timer from the left circle a few minutes team that dressed a number of top players. The tables turned Thursday into the game. when a formidable Penguins lineup beat some guys from Columbus at The visitors got on the board during the second when a centering pass PPG Paints Arena. got through David Warsofsky to Sonny Milano, who had plenty to shoot They cruised to the win thanks to the play of their new-look second line, at because Murray was glancing in the other corner after being fooled by their starting goalie, an evolving power play and an 18-year-old with a Kevin Stenlund’s pass. wicked shot. He almost allowed a similar goal in the third, so keep an eye on that. Here are five observations – all of them positive – from the 4-1 victory. Still, it was good start for Murray, who made 27 saves, none prettier than 1. The ice was seriously tilted in Pittsburgh’s favor when the Evgeni late in the third when he gloved Emil Bemstrom’s blast with a little Malkin line, which had Alex Galchenyuk on his left wing and Brandon pizzazz. Tanev on his right, was out there. That’s what you’d hope for given the lineup that Columbus, with only a handful of projected regulars, brought to town. Still, it is encouraging. Post Gazette LOADED: 09.20.2019 Matt Murray makes a glove save against the Rangers on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at PPG Paints Arena.

They were particularly dangerous in the second. On their first shift of that period, Malkin saucered a pass to Galchenyuk on a 2-on-1 but the new guy couldn’t quite slam it home. Later on, Malkin gave Tanev a good look. Near the end of the second, Tanev blitzed Veini Vehvilainen behind the net, whacking the puck off the Blue Jackets goalie’s stick before attempting a centering pass to Galchenyuk.

Sure, it’s just one game. But there were certainly signs that this could work.

2. You know someone is a goal-scorer when they get a goal like the one Jake Guentzel got Thursday and don’t even bother raising their hands to celebrate.

On an odd-man rush in the second period, Malkin skipped a pass to Guentzel, who, while trying to corral it, twice tapped the puck in midair to himself before saying, “Screw it,” and whacking the puck out of the air past Vehvilainen.

Not saying it’s likely, but if he sticks with Sidney Crosby and earns a full- time spot on the power play, 50 goals is definitely within his realm of possibilities.

3. Speaking of goal-scorers, Nathan Legare has a knack for the net, too.

Legare scored two goals 23 seconds apart during the third period to blow open the game. The first was off a faceoff. The second came after the Penguins went low to high in the zone and the puck came to Legare, who likes to lurk above the circles before darting into open space. Then, wow, what a cannon.

Legare, a 2019 third-round pick who is expected to return to his junior team soon, brought to mind another dynamic righty in the way that he came out of nowhere to change the game in a flash. You remember that Phil guy, right?

4. Coach Mike Sullivan has several weapons at his disposal as he looks to “evolve” his top power play with Phil Kessel now in Arizona. Even with Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang wearing tailored suits Thursday, the Penguins still trotted out a group of five that would be better than what at least 15 teams have.

Three Penguins forwards who are battling each other for regular roles on the man advantage made the team’s pretty first-period power-play goal happen.

Guentzel, manning the right wall, snapped a pass through the diamond- shaped penalty kill to Galchenyuk, who showed off his big shot. Don’t 1153476 Pittsburgh Penguins

Sidney Crosby leads all NHL players in eBay merchandise sales

JOSHUA AXELROD

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

SEP 19, 2019 6:11 PM

Sidney Crosby just can’t help himself when it comes to racking up accolades.

The 2019-20 NHL season hasn’t even started and the Penguins star has already earned ESPN’s all-decade Hart Trophy and had the top-selling NHL Shop jersey from last year.

On Thursday, Crosby picked up another retail-related honor: He led all NHL players in merchandise sales on eBay from August 2018 to August 2019, according to the annual NHL preview released by eBay in partnership with StubHub.

Crosby gear outsold those of other stars like Chicago Blackhawks wing Patrick Kane, Washington Capitals wing Alexander Ovechkin, and ex- Penguin and Vegas Golden Knights goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. The report actually went out of its way to say that Crosby merchandise is 76% more popular on eBay than Ovechkin’s. Booyah?

After 40-goal season, what will Jake Guentzel do for an encore?

StubHub and eBay also broke down their top NHL merchandise sellers by team and location.

As of Wednesday, the Penguins are the ninth-most in-demand team in terms of StubHub game-ticket sales. It’s worth mentioning that neither the Capitals nor the Philadelphia Flyers cracked the top 10. Slapshot and Gritty need to step up their games in terms of drumming up fan support.

Pittsburgh is also No. 3 on eBay’s list of top merchandise sales by team. The Boston Bruins and Blackhawks are No. 1 and 2 respectively, while the Capitals came in fifth and the Flyers at ninth.

In terms of jersey sales alone on eBay, the Penguins were only second behind the Blackhawks. Again, the report made a point to specify that eBay sold 40% more Penguins jerseys than Capitals ones.

The one thing the Capitals can hold over the Penguins is that an Oct. 2 matchup in St. Louis between the Capitals and Blues — the last two Stanley Cup champions — is currently StubHub’s top-selling game of the 2019 NHL season. No Penguins game is on that particular top 10 list.

Last thing: The state of Pennsylvania has the third-most “fan loyalty,” according to eBay’s merchandise-sales data. That essentially means that Penguins and Flyers fans combined bought more gear on eBay than, say, Lightning and Panthers fans in Florida. Unsurprisingly, the top two states in this category were New York (Rangers, Islanders and Sabres) and California (Kings, Ducks and Sharks).

The big takeaways here: NHL fans are still more than happy to put their money where their mouths are when it comes to supporting Crosby, and Pennsylvania appears to be the non-coastal U.S. capital of hockey.

Post Gazette LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153477 Pittsburgh Penguins Rutherford was unable to lock up Pettersson to a long-term deal this past offseason. He lacked the cap space to make the math work. He has promised Pettersson’s camp the numbers will work next offseason.

Think this summer was wild for the Penguins? Wait until next year “He will be (signed to a long-term extension),” Rutherford said of Pettersson. “That’s going to happen.”

Simply, Rutherford said, Pettersson is too promising a young By Rob Rossi defenseman to not prioritize next summer. He’ll be only 24 then, and a long-term contract with Pettersson is viewed by Rutherford as part of Sep 19, 2019 “staying ahead of the curve.”

Where that curve is headed for Murray is anybody’s guess. He is 25 and The Penguins find themselves in a familiar predicament as they prepare has never played in more than 50 games in a regular season. He also to start the 2019-20 season: handcuffed by the salary cap. It forced Jim has been between the pipes twice when the Penguins won the Cup. Rutherford to make some less than ideal moves this offseason, such as Over the summer, a veteran goalie (Sergei Bobrovsky) scored a seven- trading away Olli Maatta and signing Marcus Pettersson to a short-term, year contract worth $70 million as a UFA, while a young goaltender not a long-term contract. Those were two moves in what has been a (Andrei Vasilevisky, whose rights were under control by his club) was busier than normal summer for the Penguins. extended for eight years at $76 million. But as a smiling Jim Rutherford explained at the start of training camp, Given those deals and his resume, it is reasonable to expect Murray to at this season’s minor maneuvers to become cap compliant will be dwarfed least double his current $3.75 million cap hit on any long-term contract by what the Penguins have to deal with next season. with the Penguins. “We’re dealing with a cap issue this year,” Rutherford said. “But if our No Penguins goalie has ever counted for as much as $6 million against season is successful and these guys play to their potential, we’ll have the cap. And for what it’s worth, Rutherford has lived thorough the bigger issues next year.” challenge of doing a lengthy deal with a Cup-winning goalie only to see it Rutherford wasn’t smiling because he was joking. It’s just that there’s not go according to plan. something to be said about grinning in the face of hardship. Remember Cam Ward with Carolina? Rutherford does. The Penguins’ season-opening roster is likely to feature seven players on Murray said his contract status is of no concern. He also said he had not expiring contracts. That group includes a top-six winger (Alex paid attention to deals signed by Bobrovsky and Vasilevisky. Galchenyuk) and top-four defenseman (Justin Schultz) who can become unrestricted free agents. Five other players will be restricted free agents, “I wasn’t really thinking much, honestly,” Murray said. “I was just focused giving the Penguins control of their rights. on getting better every day. That’s where my head’s at.”

These aren’t just any RFAs, by the way. They are: a franchise goalie Shrewd answer from a smart young man. Also, it’s not his job to think (Matt Murray); a young puck-moving defenseman (Pettersson); and two about the contract chaos facing the Penguins after this season. forwards (Jared McCann, Dominik Kahun) Rutherford brought in over the past several months to be a part of the Penguins’ future. If Murray helps the Penguins earn another Cup win, he’ll be able to write out his own check, and Rutherford will have no choice but to seek the Oh, and Dominik Simon. signature of ownership. That isn’t exactly the position Pettersson is in with the Penguins, but he is as close to calling his shot as any of the Those five players, along with Galchenyuk and Schultz, will combine to seven players set to play this season on expiring contracts. count just under $18 million against the cap for the upcoming season. It’s not unreasonable for Rutherford to figure it would cost somewhere Rutherford knows he isn’t going to be able to keep everybody. around $31 million to bring back all seven players for next season. Schultz seems already to have priced himself out of a future in The Puck Pedia website has the Penguins currently committed to $63.6 Pittsburgh. Galchenyuk might as well if his season with Malkin becomes million in cap space tied up by 16 players for the 2020-21 season. a career year.

Unless the cap increases to upwards of $90 million — and that isn’t By the way, the Penguins still aren’t under the cap for this season. happening — Rutherford is facing some hard decisions. “It’s because of the amount of new guys we acquired over the last year or He already has made some. so,” Rutherford said. “It’s part of being in a cap system. And it’s part of having to make more moves than you’d like to make and moving players Rutherford said he is “probably not” going to negotiate with the agents for you don’t want to move. either Schultz or Murray during this season. Seemingly, that would guarantee Schultz becomes a UFA and Murray’s future in Pittsburgh “You know, we’ve made a fair amount of moves over the last few years. becomes the talk of next summer. We’ll have to continue to do it to stay ahead.”

“With the amount of contracts that are expiring, I think we have to let it Rutherford has some brush to clear before this fall. The forest burning play out to see how many pieces we can fit into that puzzle,” Rutherford comes next summer. said. That easy life looks a long way off. So, is Rutherford conceding the price of Cup contention now is losing good players for no return at all later?

“Yeah,” he said. “Because make no mistake: We’re in it to be contenders. The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 As part of playing that game, you can’t have it both ways.”

Wouldn’t seem to bode well for Schultz’s preference to avoid hitting free agency.

Even though he would do so as arguably the NHL’s most prized commodity — a right-handed shot, puck-moving defenseman just entering his 30s — Schultz has already lived through the stress of not knowing where he would play hockey. As a UFA in the summer of 2012, Schultz was recruited by a reported 26 clubs before signing with the Oilers.He could be forgiven for not believing things always work out for the best when a player tests free agency.

If all things were equal, the Penguins would prefer to retain Schultz. Just not at the expense of Pettersson. 1153478 San Jose Sharks ANALYSIS: I don’t know if Brodzinski begins the season on Thornton’s right side, but it’s tough to imagine him not starting the season in the NHL at this point, even though he’s on a two-way deal. Blichfeld has a great shot, which he showed Tuesday, but in a perfect world, he’ll be starting Projecting Sharks’ 23-man roster: Who’s trending, and who’s fading the season in the AHL. He’s earned a longer look, though, as has Halbgewachs. Chmelevski hasn’t been bad so far in camp, but he hasn’t

really stood out, either. Gambrell’s audition as the right wing on Kane and By CURTIS PASHELKA | [email protected] | Bay Hertl’s line Wednesday did not go well. Perhaps the Sharks give him Area News Group another game there to correct things, or move him back into a fourth line center role. I still think he’s in position to make the team, but perhaps he PUBLISHED: September 19, 2019 at 12:24 pm | UPDATED: September has less separation from the pack than before. 19, 2019 at 2:46 PM WHO THE SHARKS KEEP: Labanc, M. Karlsson, Brodzinski, Gambrell.

Left defense SAN JOSE – Two Sharks preseason games are in the books and while some younger prospects have shown flashes in camp, time is running LOCKS: Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Brenden Dillon, Radim Simek. out for some other roster hopefuls to make an impression. TRENDING UP: Mario Ferraro, Tony Sund. Sharks coach Pete DeBoer said earlier this week he wants his final 23- NEEDS TO PICK IT UP: Jacob Middleton. man roster to have mostly taken shape by the time the team plays its final two preseason games — Sept. 26 at home against the Calgary ANALYSIS: Not sure how heavy the competition is here, especially if Flames and Sept. 29 on the road vs. the Vegas Golden Knights. Simek can get in at least one preseason game and be ready for the regular season. Ferraro is an energizer bunny on the ice, and there could The Sharks have 55 players in camp right now (Dillon Hamaliuk and Jake be a spot for him if Simek can’t go Oct. 2. Middleton hasn’t really stood McGrew were both returned to junior), but further cuts are coming quick. out, perhaps a surprise given he got a taste of the NHL last season and Last season, the Sharks reduced their roster size by double digits before entered camp squarely in the mix to be the Sharks’ sixth or seventh their second preseason game, after their third game and after their fourth defensemen this season. game. WHO THE SHARKS KEEP: Vlasic, Dillon, Simek. Here’s a projection of what the Sharks’ 23-man roster will look like Oct. 2. Right defense Centers LOCKS: Erik Karlsson, Brent Burns, Tim Heed. LOCKS: Logan Couture, Tomas Hertl, Joe Thornton, Barclay Goodrow. TRENDING UP: . TRENDING UP: Antti Suomela, Manuel Wiederer, Noah Gregor, Joel Kellman. NEEDS TO PICK IT UP: Trevor Carrick, Jeremy Roy, Nick DeSimone.

NEEDS TO PICK IT UP: Alexander True, Maxim Letunov. ANALYSIS: Heed had a tough night vs. the Ducks but seemed to bounce back well against the Flames in 21 minutes of ice time. DeSimone, ANALYSIS: After a couple of scrimmages and preseason games, it’s coming off a terrific year with the Barracuda, was a -4 vs. the Flames but starting to look like Goodrow will be the Sharks’ fourth line center to start will likely get another shot to show what he can do. It would be a surprise the season. True has effectively used his size at times but lost eight of 11 to see Prout not make the team. He’d require waivers and his physicality draws Wednesday in Calgary, and I’m not sure he’s shown to the is most definitely an asset in the eyes of the Sharks. coaching staff that he’s ready for the NHL just yet. Suomela had a good game vs. Anaheim on Tuesday. Wiederer stayed in the mix with two WHO THE SHARKS KEEP: E. Karlsson, Burns, Heed, Prout. goals Wednesday, but may need more time with the Barracuda at the start of the season to get his conditioning back. He also won just one of Goalies seven faceoffs. Gregor was active and noticeable in the Sharks’ two LOCKS: Martin Jones, Aaron Dell. scrimmages and vs. the Ducks, but remains a longshot to make the big club out of camp. Kellman, too, could use time in the AHL. But he’s a ANALYSIS: Not much to debate here, in my eyes. Jones will start at least smart hockey player, and 25 years old. if the Sharks choose to carry 14 two of the final four preseason games. Dell will get one more start, and forwards out of camp, he could be the 14th guy. that’ll be the tandem for the start of the regular season. Josef Korenar was so-so in his preseason debut Tuesday and Antoine Bibeau allowed WHO THE SHARKS KEEP: Couture, Hertl, Thornton, Goodrow, five goals on 22 shots Wednesday. Suomela, Kellman. WHO THE SHARKS KEEP: Jones, Dell. Left wing

LOCKS: Evander Kane, Timo Meier, Marcus Sorensen, Lukas Radil. San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 09.20.2019 TRENDING UP: Danil Yurtaykin, Lean Bergmann.

NEEDS TO PICK IT UP: Ivan Chekhovich, Jeffrey Viel.

ANALYSIS: If Meier, Kane and Sorensen are the top three left wings, then Bergmann, at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, might be a fit on the fourth line. DeBoer noted this week, though, that his forward group isn’t strictly going to be dictated by position. He’ll dress the 12 best guys, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a fourth line of Lukas Radil, Goodrow and Melker Karlsson to start the season, even though Radil is a right shot. Yurtaykin can be a fun player to watch, but my guess is he’ll start the year in the AHL. Same with Chekhovich.

WHO THE SHARKS KEEP: Kane, Meier, Sorensen, Radil.

Right wing

LOCKS: Kevin Labanc, Melker Karlsson.

TRENDING UP: Jonny Brodzinski, Joachim Blichfeld, Jayden Halbgewachs.

NEEDS TO PICK IT UP: Sasha Chmelevski, Dylan Gambrell, Evan Weinger. 1153479 San Jose Sharks

San Jose Sharks fans: Smoking Pig, Opa! and Sushi Confidential join SAP Center food lineup

By LINDA ZAVORAL | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group

PUBLISHED: September 19, 2019 at 6:57 am | UPDATED: September 19, 2019 at 11:34 am

Chomp takes on new meaning this season as the San Jose Sharks, SAP Center and their culinary partner, Aramark, unveil a new lineup of food choices for hockey fans.

There’s lots to sample. Good thing it’s a sport with two intermissions.

Three popular, locally owned restaurants — Smoking Pig BBQ, Opa! and Sushi Confidential — have joined the selection on the SAP Concourse Level, along with several other fan favorites. The Test Launch Kitchen, which features a rotating series of experimental dishes, is back. And the Alaska Airlines Club Level will offer an Italiano Mercado, with options from nearby Little Italy, and On the Road, themed food and drinks to match the city of the Sharks’ opponent that day.

Here’s a rundown. These are all available now for preseason games (Sept. 21 and 26) and the official season, which starts Oct. 4.

Smoking Pig BBQ: Pitmaster Paul Reddick’s crew will serve slow- smoked brisket, pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, burnt ends and side dishes of macaroni and cheese, BBQ beans and coleslaw.

Sushi Confidential: Look for a variety of rolls — Cabo Conspiracy, California, Spicy Tuna — and poke tacos, plus a new Sharks-inspired roll, at this booth from restaurateur “Sushi Randy” Musterer.

Opa! and Tac-Oh!: Greek or Mexican? There will be gyro and chicken pitas, fries and Greek salads at the former. At the latter, choose from chicken tinga, carne asada and crispy avocado tacos, nachos and grilled corn with cotija cheese. Owner Molly Adams’ restaurant concepts are both rooted in the South Bay.

Hula Truck: This San Jose-based vendor specializes in Pacific Island/NorCal fusion, with kalua pork, their BayRitto and Dole Whip on the menu.

Tenders Love & Chicken: An Awesome Sauce Bar complements the chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches and fries sold at this stand.

Estrella Jalisco Cocina: This taqueria will sell a giant taco, quesadillas, churros and handmade tamales.

Sharks Boardwalk: This booth offers amusement park fare like hand- dipped corn dogs, candy apples, cotton candy, fried Oreos and milkshakes.

Launch Test Kitchen: Aramark chefs and local food trucks will create dishes for you to vote on with your orders. The winning dish may find a permanent spot on the SAP menu. Find this booth on the Concourse Level near Section 109.

On the calendar are: Grilled Cheez Guy (now through Nov. 2); I Love Cheesesteak (Nov. 5-23); Waffle Roost (Nov. 27-Dec. 22); The Shop by Chef Baca (Dec. 27-Jan. 9); 333 Truck (Feb. 1-March 5); and Fish Taco Wabo (March 7-April 4).

Mercado Italiano: Restaurant specialties and sweets from Little Italy, located near SAP Center, will be available this season on the Alaska Airlines Club Level. Stay tuned for details on the menu.

On the Road: Who doesn’t love regional food? This stand, also on the Alaska Airlines Club Level, will feature dishes and cocktails representing the cities of the Sharks’ visiting opponents. (We could go for Ethel M Chocolates when the Las Vegas Golden Knights are in town.)

San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153480 San Jose Sharks

Sharks' Erik Karlsson ranked No. 24 player in league by NHL Network

By Brian Witt

September 19, 2019 7:43 PM

Erik Karlsson is arguably the best player on the Sharks. According to NHL Network, San Jose's defenseman is the 24th-best player in the league.

In counting down the best players in the current NHL, the league's network placed Karlsson in between 25th-ranked David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins, and 23rd-rank Mark Giordano, the Flames' reigning Norris Trophy winner.

"We know that he can put the puck just about anywhere, he can skate himself out of trouble, he can pass himself out of trouble, he can do just about anything," NHL Network's said of Karlsson. "For a defenseman in today's game that played on one leg basically last year … he did have 16 points in 19 playoff games and it wasn't quite enough, but it was pretty darn heroic if you ask me."

Karlsson totaled 45 points in 53 regular-season games with the Sharks after arriving in San Jose at the start of training camp last year. The Sharks had their best stretch of the season once he found his groove in early December, and if not for a troublesome groin injury, there's no telling how far San Jose could have gone.

The two-time Norris Trophy winner still managed to appear in the All-Star Game, and signed a lucrative eight-year extension with San Jose at the start of free agency. He tallied at least 62 points in each of the previous five seasons, and his 563 points since making his NHL debut are the most among all NHL defenseman, ahead of fellow Sharks defenseman Brent Burns (532).

Karlsson will be an alternate captain in his second season with the franchise, and one would naturally expect him to benefit from having played a year in the system. He ranked sixth among NHL defensemen in points per game (0.85) last year, and with the departures San Jose suffered in free agency, it wouldn't be surprising to see that rate increase in the season ahead, particularly considering Karlsson says he feels "back to normal" after offseason surgery to address the injury that hampered him a year ago.

Assuming Karlsson stays healthy this coming season, you can expect him to be ranked even higher a year from now.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153481 San Jose Sharks

Mic'd-up Joe Thornton's youthful energy on display at Sharks practice

By Brian Witt

September 19, 2019 6:38 PM

Whether or not Joe Thornton is a national treasure is debatable, but he's certainly a regional one.

The future Hall of Famer was mic'd up at a recent Sharks' practice, and he put that quality on display. The 40-year-old didn't appear as if his age has caught up to him, as he was quite talkative and involved throughout.

Whether it was chasing on the forecheck or missing an empty net, the eldest member of the Sharks looked anything but. Enjoying his first healthy offseason in recent memory, Thornton's energy is certainly palpable, and that bodes well for the Sharks as they attempt to get back to the playoffs for the 20th time in the last 22 seasons.

Thornton signed a one-year contract at the beginning of the month to return to the Sharks for his 15th season in San Jose. He'll be one of four alternate captains on the team, after Logan Couture was named the 10th full-time captain in franchise history, taking over for the departed Joe Pavelski.

With Pavelski, Joonas Donskoi and Gustav Nyquist leaving in free agency during the offseason, the Sharks are counting on several prospects to take a step forward this coming season -- and on Thornton to help them succeed at the NHL level. While line pairings are still in flux, it wouldn't be shocking whatsoever to see Thornton paired with one of those prospects on his wing.

Based on Thornton's mic'd up session, he'll be talking that prospects' ear off all game long.

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Sharks' roster hopefuls still 'auditioning' as regular season nears

By Chelena Goldman

September 19, 2019 11:32 AM

SAN JOSE - Yes, the Sharks have roster spots they need to fill. Nobody knows that better than Peter DeBoer.

So perhaps it was to be expected when the head coach said more than once after San Jose's first preseason game Tuesday night that he hasn't filled out his final roster for the Sharks' season-opener against the Vegas Golden Knights yet.

"We're Game 1 into a tryout here," DeBoer said. "An audition. We're not handing out any jobs tonight."

You can't blame him for answering that way. He'd probably love it if everyone outside the team stopped trying to piece his roster together for him.

Here's the thing: San Jose is just two games into the preseason and has rolled out two different lineups for each game. A roster for opening night will come together, but DeBoer hasn't settled on the exact pieces to that puzzle just yet.

Despite losing their first two preseason games, some of the Sharks' roster hopefuls have done some positive things. Jonny Brodzinski added an offensive punch in Tuesday's game against the Anaheim Ducks while Manuel Wiederer contributed two goals in Wednesday's game against the Calgary Flames. Ryan Merkley pitched in as a helper twice in his first preseason game while Joachim Blichfeld, Ivan Chekhovich and Lean Bergmann also have found the back of the net in the preseason.

Nevertheless, one preseason showing doesn't -- as DeBoer said -- guarantee anyone a starting job.

The Sharks are aware that replacing offensive depth left by the departures of Joe Pavelski, Gustav Nyquist and Joonas Donskoi is a process. In addition to scoring big goals, San Jose also has to be able to sustain offense through a full 60 minutes on a nightly basis. Through the first two games of the preseason, the team has had some difficulty doing this.

"I think we need to sustain more O-zone pressure," Brodzinski observed after Tuesday night's 4-3 loss to the Ducks, a game where the Sharks jumped out to an early 2-0 lead and then took their foot off the gas in the second stanza. "We didn't have a lot of it tonight. I felt like it was more of a neutral zone game. Then we played a little bit too much in our own zone. If we can play down there a lot more, we wouldn't be as tired coming into the late shifts there."

If the idea that San Jose hasn't filled out its roster just yet scares you, keep in mind -- neither preseason game has featured the Sharks' opening night roster. Heck, we haven't even seen Logan Couture, Erik Karlsson or Martin Jones suit up for a game yet. Many of the players who have played over the past two days will be starting the season playing for the Barracuda.

Plus, even once the regular season gets underway, there still are going to be changes made to San Jose's roster as players move between the AHL and NHL in an effort to give the team the most dynamic lineup. Just think about how many times the lineup changed at the start of last season.

The Sharks have roughly a week and a half to get into fighting shape before opening night October 2, which includes four more preseason tune-ups that kick off on Saturday with a contest against the Golden Knights. It's very possible DeBoer will roll out a lineup consisting of a few more regular-season starters, along with a few players high on the list of opening night roster additions.

Just don't be surprised if Saturday's preseason game is just another step in the audition process for players on that list.

1153483 San Jose Sharks

Sharks expecting Timo Meier to take step forward in wake of departures

By Brodie Brazil

September 19, 2019 9:00 AM

Individual progress of an NHL player should not always be measured in goals.

Yet it’s hard to ignore Timo Meier’s production: 21 goals in his first full season, followed up by 30 last year.

“He’s worked for everything he’s got,” Sharks head coach Pete DeBoer said of Meier. “I think power forwards take a little bit longer. It’s a harder league for bigger guys playing that kind of game to establish themselves."

“His jump last year was incredible,” fellow forward Barclay Goodrow remarked. “He kind of turned into a whole new player, just more confident. He took some games over, shooting the puck and driving the net. Just things he does well at a better pace.”

The Swiss-born winger has developed a full-fledged reputation for utilizing all six feet and 210 pounds he’s got.

“I try to be a physical guy. Try to get in the areas where you might hurt, and try to score some dirty goals,” Meier said at training camp. “I want to get better, that’s always something I try to stay hungry on.”

Timing plays a critical role in the development of a homegrown product like Meier. The Sharks were able to let him develop in the pipeline, and now he's thriving on the biggest stage.

“He got there the right way,” DeBoer explained. “You’ve got a guy with a lot of confidence, we’ve added a couple minutes every year to his time on ice. He’s going to take another step this year with the guys that departed. We’re excited to see where he can go with it.”

And that is the exciting question: Where can Meier take things this season?

“I’m not a guy that wants to put out a number and say I have to score that many goals,” Meier admitted. “I just try to go out and be the best player I can for the team.”

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Sundqvist misses Blues practice with upper-body injury

By Tom Timmermann St. Louis Post-Dispatch

It took seven days of training camp, but the Blues finally had someone miss a day to injury.

Oskar Sundqvist, who left the practice ice early on Wednesday, walking to the dressing room at Centene Community Ice Center by himself with what coach Craig Berube said was a "tweak of something," didn't practice on Thursday as camp moved downtown to the Enterprise Center. Berube said it was an upper body injury and the absence was a precaution.

"He tweaked something the other day so we're just monitoring it so we'll give him another day and see how he feels tomorrow," Berube said.

Prior to that, every thing had gone smoothly. Robert Thomas joined the main group in practice a few days late after recovering from offseason wrist surgery, and Tyler Kaspick have been skating separately from the team has they recover from injuries they had at the start of camp: a kneecap opersation for Kyrou and a concussion suffered by Kaspick.

Berube said Kyrou would be skating on his own "for a bit," a move that most likely will take the young forward out of the running for being on the opening day roster. With opening day now less than two weeks away, it doesn't seem he can be ready in time.

If that's the case, it pretty much wipes out any suspense on the Blues' roster, with 23 players vying for 23 spots, unless one of the depth forwards, like Jordan Nolan, play their way into a spot at the end of the roster or the team opts to have someone like Sammy Blais or Mackenzie MacEachern get in games in San Antonio rather than sit in the press box and watch in St. Louis.

Jordan Binnington was also absent from practice on Thursday, with Berube terming it a maintenance day. Binnington played two periods on Wednesday against Washington. "You've got to monitor these guys," Berube said. "They played a lot of hockey. They've got to listen to their bodies and we've got to listen to them."

Berube said that Robert Thomas is making good progress and will get in an exhibition game, which points to him being ready for the start of the season. "He gets better and better every day so we're not sure when we can get him a game here but we're going to start pushing him a little more and try to get him ready and hopefully he can get in a game soon," Berube said.

GAME 3

The Blues roster for the game in Winnipeg on Friday is:

Defensemen: Gunnarsson, Edmundson, Bouwmeester, Reinke, Pouliot, Mikkola

Forwards: Blais, Sanford, MacEachern, Walker, Kostin, Poganski, Joshua, Perron, Nolan, Vecchione, Jackson, Olsen, O'Reilly

Goalies: Allen, Husso

The roster has 13 forwards, so someone will sit out. This will be the third game in three for Ryan Olsen and Austin Poganski. Among returnees from last season, Alex Pietrangelo, Brayden Schenn, Alexander Steen and Robert Thomas have yet to get in a game. Also going 0 for 3 are Zach Nastasiuk, Jake Christeansen and Joey Laleggia

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153485 St Louis Blues While it was Binnington’s first preseason start, Wednesday marked Fitzpatrick’s first preseason action _ period _ with the Blues. Fitzpatrick is slated for either San Antonio of the American Hockey League or Tulsa of the ECHL this season. Both are Blues’ affiliates. Another first for Binnington in Blues' 3-2 loss at Washington As for the bad-hop bouncer from Backstrom that snapped the 2-2 tie, Binnington said: “It’s an unfortunate play. It’s a smart play really by them because those are tough to read and obviously that’s a pretty skilled By Jim Thomas St. Louis Post-Dispatch player throwing that down there.

“Stuff’s gonna happen. I think (Fitzpatrick) looked great and he looked ‘on WASHINGTON, D.C. • Jordan Binnington achieved another first it.’ Didn’t look out of place, so I think he should be happy with his Wednesday in the nation’s capital. He started his first preseason game performance.” as a member of the Blues’ organization. One of the highlights for St. Louis was the overall play of prospect Austin “That’s a good observation,” Binnington said. Poganski, who scored a first-period goal on a deflection off a Washington skater. So was Binnington, you know. . . ? “He’s been solid for two games,” coach Craig Berube said. “Done a lot of Never mind. good things. Hustle. Reliable. He’s on the puck all over the place.”

Binnington played just one period of hockey last preseason, and an Poganski has played in both preseason games, as has Robby Fabbri. undistinguished one at that, allowing three goals on eight shots in the Berube got a look at Fabbri playing center against the Capitals and liked Blues’ 2018-19 exhibition opener in Dallas. what he saw. Fabbri, however, committed a costly penalty (boarding) with 2:20 left that resulted in Washington scoring the game-tying goal. So yes, things have changed over a year’s time. The power play was a mixed bag. Zach Sanford gave the Blues’ a 2-1 “It’s different,” Binnington said following the Blues’ 3-2 loss to the lead in the third period with a power play goal set up by Dunn. But the Washington Capitals. “I like different things where you have to adapt. Blues were only one-for-six for the night and couldn’t convert a 5-on-3 And new opportunities. It’s the same game though, right? You gotta keep advantage for 65 seconds in the second period. your head down, work hard, compete, and give the team a chance to win every night.” “The 5-on-3, you gotta score on those,” Berube said. “I thought ‘Pary’ (Colton Parayko) had a couple good shots. I would like to see a little bit After all he accomplished last season, it’s easy enough to forget that more on the 5-on-3. Quicker movement. More attack. Just a little bit on Binnington remains relatively new to the NHL scene. For example, the outside too much.” Wednesday’s game marked his first action at Capital Arena. He had been in the building a couple of times earlier, but as a backup.

And with Alex Ovechkin part of a veteran-laden Washington lineup St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 09.20.2019 Wednesday, it marked his first time Binnington faced the player known as the “Great 8.”

“You’re definitely aware he is on the ice,” Binnington said. “It was cool to watch him and play against him. He’s an elite player in this league. They’ve got a great team over there from their power play, you know offensively. It was a good test tonight to compete back at this level and we’re gonna keep building.”

Binnington played the first two periods, leaving with the game tied 1-1 before prospect Evan Fitzpatrick took over in goal for the third period.

This was a different type of game altogether than the preseason opener Monday against Dallas, when the Blues looked very quick and dominated the first period. The Stars didn’t get their first shot on goal until just four minutes remained in the opening period.

Against Washington, the Blues were outshot 7-2 in the early going and Binnington was challenged early. He stopped a backdoor attempt by Connor McMichael and a break-in from left wing by Beck Malenstyn around the eight-minute mark. With 4:50 left in the first, Jakub Vrana was shaking his head after Binnington turned him away from in close.

“I felt pretty comfortable early,” Binnington said. “And for me tonight, it was just about playing hard and getting your routine back and your rhythm back and communication. I think I can clean up a couple areas and that’ll come with the remainder of training camp here.”

How much work is enough for Binnington in the preseason?

“A couple games, just to get your rhythm back and your feel back,” he said. “Be back with the boys and their routines. . .the pregame routine, so you really have it down heading into the season.”

It was a busy two periods for Binnington. He stopped 22 of 23 shots and was on the ice for 1 ½ Washington power plays.

The “one-half” came in the form of 55 seconds of Blues penalty-killing at the end of the second period. Fitzpatrick handled the remaining 1:05 of a Vince Dunn holding penalty to start the third period.

Speaking of Fitzpatrick, Binnington had nothing but good things to say about the young goalie, who gave up a couple of tough-luck goals in the final minute of play, including a bad-hop game-winner by Nicklas Backstrom from beyond the blue line with 6.9 seconds remaining. 1153486 St Louis Blues “You know it’s not always easy to be focused, as focused in the practices. But I think when I’ve found myself really dialed in there it translates into the games really well.”

Multiple surgeries later, Vince Dunn's face is fine. Blues say his game is For younger players, it can take a while to learn what it really takes to be getting there, too. a pro. Coach Craig Berube has noticed the difference in Dunn. Particularly the fact that Dunn came into camp in better shape this season.

By Jim Thomas St. Louis Post-Dispatch “So that tells me he’s more serious,” Berube said.

In many ways, Dunn had a breakout second season in 2018-19, with 12 goals, 23 assists and a plus-14 differential. But he’s not anywhere close WASHINGTON, D.C. — Vince Dunn has five new teeth, but he’s yet to to his ceiling as an NHL player. have a cheeseburger. “Defense is a tough position, it takes time,” Berube said. “But he has Like the rest of the Blues, Dunn got his day with the Stanley Cup, but his been excellent for being a young 'D-man,' and what he’s accomplished summer wasn’t all fun and games. Far from it. already is pretty good. But definitely more room to grow consistency.” Remember that puck he took to the face on a shot by San Jose’s Berube thought Dunn’s defensive play improved last season and he was Brenden Dillon in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals? Blood more physical as well — which obviously is a big thing for a Berube gushing out of his mouth and Dunn staggering off the ice at Enterprise player. Center? Some people might have forgotten about it. It took place, after all, during the infamous “Hand Pass” game on May 15. And one more thing:

Dunn missed the next six games of the playoffs but returned in time for “I think he has improved on his shot, getting it through more,” Berube Game 4 of the Cup Final, against the Boston Bruins. When all was said a said. done, Dunn said it took “maybe four, five” surgeries to fix him. Dunn has been paired with Alex Pietrangelo so far in camp, a pairing “It wasn’t that bad actually,” he said. “The medical staff and everyone Berube used at times last season, particularly when the Blues were was really good to me. I had a doctor in Toronto that fixed me up pretty trailing in games because Pietrangelo and Dunn are the team’s top good, too. So I can’t really complain about anything.” offensive defenseman. (Although a case could be made for Colton Parayko in that group, too.) Some of the medical procedures had to wait until the summer, after other stuff healed. With Pietrangelo not making the trip to Washington as Berube eases his veterans into preseason action, Dunn was paired with Parayko against “Yeah, it was just kind of a waiting game, waiting for things to heal to be the Capitals. able to do other things,” he said. “So it was just a matter of time before everything was fixed, and finally it’s all done now. It’s been a lot better No matter who Dunn is paired with this season, he wants to be a more this past couple of months. All the surgeries and dental work is done reliable player. Someone Dunn said the coaches can trust to be a smart, now.” honest hockey player. If that happens, well, the Blues will really have something to sink their teeth into in terms of an emerging defenseman. Dunn is back to his regular diet, but has yet to chomp into a burger.

“I can’t really like bite down,” he said. “It still feels a little weird and a little uncomfortable. So I kinda gotta choose my foods a little bit more wisely St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 09.20.2019 than I was before.

“No, I haven’t had a burger yet, or pizza or anything like that. It’s more like fork and knife foods. It’s kind of different the way my mouth feels with the fake teeth in there.”

Dunn wasn’t just dealing with dental work. He confirmed Wednesday what was suspected at the time of the injury — that he also suffered a broken jaw on the play.

“The top part of my jaw was broken, so it was wired together,” Dunn said. “And then the teeth were kinda just wherever they were. I don’t really know what more to say. It was just kind of a messy situation.”

Dunn tried a full shield when he returned to practice during the playoffs, but didn’t like it. So he returned against Boston with his normal helmet and visor. And starting with Wednesday’s exhibition game against the Washington Capitals, in which he had an assist in the Blues' 3-2 loss, that’s how he’s handling it this year as well.

“I tried that (full shield),” Dunn said. “I didn’t like it. It’s a distraction more than anything. I’d rather just take another puck to the face.”

Oh, those hockey players.

“It is what it is,” Dunn continued. “It’s more of a sacrifice kind of thing. You don’t want to give up your vision and how you feel out on the ice moving the puck around. So you just kinda gotta take risks that way.”

Dunn took no risks when it came to preparing for this season. As he enters his third NHL season at age 22, Dunn has a new maturity about his profession.

“I think this training camp I came in a lot more serious than others,” Dunn said. “My first year, to be honest, I was a little lazy. I think just putting more work in the gym and taking practices more seriously, doing that last year helped me be more ready for the games. So I want to come in with the same attitude this year and push myself that much more. 1153487 St Louis Blues “There was some options, like I had to look through everything,” Barbashev said. “But my plan was to play in the NHL for a long time, and I’m just happy I signed here.

Blues notebook: 'Note suffers tough-luck exhibition loss “It took a while. But everybody’s happy, both sides. And I’m glad it’s over right now, and now I can just focus on the game.”

Barbashev, 23, was the last of nine restricted free agents to come to By Jim Thomas St. Louis Post-Dispatch terms with the Blues, signing a two-year contract worth $1.475 million a year in late August.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two late goals by Washington, including the winner with seven seconds remaining. Had this been a regular-season St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 09.20.2019 contest, the Blues’ 3-2 loss Wednesday night to the Capitals would have stung, big-time.

But an exhibition game, with only a portion of your “varsity” roster on hand?

“Well, you want to win. We all want to win,” coach Craig Berube said from the visitors’ locker room at Capital One Arena. “It’s unfortunate. I thought our guys were doing a good job killing that penalty. And it goes off the back end right to the guy — he puts it in.”

That was a reference to Richard Panik’s game-tying power-play goal, which came after the puck hit off the end boards and shot right back to Panik in front of the net. Blues goalie Evan Fitzpatrick had no chance.

Then came the winner, with seven seconds left when Nicklas Backstrom sent a bouncing puck from outside the blue line that skipped past Fitzpatrick, who had replaced Jordan Binnington for the final period.

“Two unfortunate bounces I guess is the way you put it,” Berube said of the final two Washington goals. “Overall, we’re pretty pleased. I think our guys played against a pretty good lineup over there tonight and we competed hard.”

Besides Backstrom and Panik, the Washington lineup also featured Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Dmitry Orlov, T.J. Oshie, Jakub Vrana, John Carlson and .

Fitzpatrick, seeing his first exhibition action with the Blues, played well until Backstrom’s bouncing puck.

“I think the ice was getting a little crummy there so you can’t blame (Fitzpatrick),” said Austin Poganski, who scored the Blues’ first goal. “He was good all in the third period. It’s just an unlucky bounce.”

Poganski’s goal came on a hustle play behind the Washington net. He sent a centering pass out front that bounced off the left skate of Washington forward Brett Leason and over the right shoulder of Capitals goalie Vitek Vanecek at the 13:37 mark of the first period.

“I was actually trying to pass it to (Zach) Sanford,” Poganski said.

After a goal from Gudas against Binnington tied it 1-1 in the second period, Sanford gave the Blues a 2-1 lead on the Blues’ fifth power play of the game.

“It’s always nice to put one in there on the power play,” Sanford said. “I thought our unit did a pretty good job moving the puck. We had some good chances.”

Binnington stopped 22 of the 23 shots he faced in his two periods of work.

You may have heard by now, but it’s over for “Gloria” as the Blues’ postgame victory song. It was fun while it lasted, to say the least. But it’s a new season and Blues players are moving on.

“I was there for Gloria, so that worked out,” defenseman Joel Edmundson said.

He was speaking of the bar in Philadelphia where the Blues heard the Laura Brannigan dance song from the early 1980s and decided to adopt it in early January.

“Hopefully, I can be there for the next one,” Edmundson said. “It just came organically. So it’d be nice if the song just came to us that we can use. But I think we’re leaving Gloria in the past. It’s gonna stay in 2019. But we’ll definitely find a new one, and it’ll be a fun song again.”

Blues forward Ivan Barbashev said there was sincere interest from the Kontinental Hockey League over the summer as he weighed his future with the Blues and the NHL. 1153488 St Louis Blues The schedule begins Sept. 29, a Sunday, which figures to be a big day for Fox Sports Midwest. It has the Cardinals' regular-season finale, against the Cubs at 2:15 p.m. Then, after the postgame show, it is set to air a Blues season preview. That 30-minute program tentatively would Media Views: Blues, reigning NHL champs, won't be on NBC this season start about 6 o'clock. Following that are Games 2 and 4 of the Final. Then on Sept. 30 it has Game 5 set for 6:30 p.m. and Game 7 scheduled for

8:30. By Dan Caesar St. Louis Post-Dispatch NBCSN will televise the Blues' exhibition game next Thursday, when they face Detroit. It is the NHL's annual "Hockeyville" contest and will be played at the historic Calumet Colosseum in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Blues are the reigning Stanley Cup champion for the first time in their 52 seasons of play. They won the Cup in June with a Game 7 The event, a centerpiece of the NHL's preseason, awards an exhibition victory in the Final, a contest shown on NBC that drew the best rating game to a small town that is a hockey hotbed and helps fund growth of ever recorded in the U.S. for an NHL contest. It also shattered the record the sport there. In addition to having the game, $150,000 for rink in St. Louis, and the series produced a viewership bonanza for local NBC upgrades have been awarded to the facility in which the contest will be affiliate KSDK (Channel 5). played. The festivities are set to start at 6 p.m. (St. Louis time).

But with the new season set to start in a week and a half, the Blues are Brendan Burke will be on the play-by-play, with commentary from Pierre not on the schedule of 12 games NBC is scheduled to show nationally McGuire and Jeremy Roenick. Liam McHugh will host the coverage. this season. The Boston Bruins, the team the Blues beat in the Final, is set for four appearances. That's second to the Pittsburgh Penguins, who are to be on six times. St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 09.20.2019 "Very disappointing for our team" at Channel 5, KSDK president and general manager Alicia Elsner said Thursday. "It was such a privilege to be a part of the Blues Stanley Cup coverage this summer. I’ve never experienced anything like it."

She is hoping that NBC adjusts the schedule.

"We typically carry two games per season in February-March," Elsner said. "We are still holding out hope for at least one regular-season game in 2020."

That seems unlikely. But St. Louis won't be totally shut out on NBC, which will show a contest from this city — just not one specifically involving the Blues. It televises the NHL All-Star Game, which is set for prime time on Jan. 25. That's a Saturday.

And the Blues will be predominantly featured on NBCSN, the cable arm of the NBC Sports Group on which they are to appear 15 times. They open the season on that outlet when they entertain Washington at 7 p.m. Oct. 2 in a contest that features the last two Cup winners. It's part of an opening-night doubleheader on NBCSN. San Jose-Vegas follows Blues- Capitals.

Sam Flood, executive producer and president of production for NBC Sports and NBCSN, is bullish on the combined lineup.

“This year’s schedule builds off the success we saw last year with increased diversity of teams and matchups highlighted by 'Wednesday Night Hockey' (on NBCSN)," he said in a statement. “From star-studded matchups like (Connor) McDavid vs. (Auston) Matthews, (Alexander) Ovechkin vs. (Sidney) Crosby and (Jack) Hughes vs. (Kaapo) Kakko, to the southernmost Winter Classic featuring Dallas and Nashville and classic original six matchups, our 2019-20 schedule features something for all hockey fans across the country.”

LOCAL LINE

The Blues' local broadcast coverage this season will be extensive — befitting a team that is the reigning Stanley Cup champion for the first time.

The biggest development is the team's switching radio stations, the fifth time it has done so. Each time KMOX (1120 AM) has been involved, this time with the broadcasts moving to WXOS (101.1 FM).

And that station plans to go all out with the Blues. It is carrying all their exhibition games, which is believed to be the first time the full slate has been on the radio. Chris Kerber (play-by-play) and Joey Vitale (analysis) are back for the calls. That schedule continues Sunday, when the Blues make their first home appearance (albeit in a practice game) as the Cup champion. They face Columbus at 2:30 p.m.

FSM won't be showing any Blues exhibition games on television, but for the third year it will stream some on Foxsportsgo.com and the Fox Sports go app. This year it will be the three home contests (Tuesday and next Friday, both at 7 p.m., after the Columbus game Sunday). These will be nuts-and-bolts productions, picking up what is shown on the video board in Enterprise Center and using the audio coming from the radio call. Access will be free, but is limited to those who subscribe to a service that carries FSM. 1153489 Tampa Bay Lightning

Could Jimmy Huntington be the next undrafted free agent standout for the Lightning?

By Ryan Kolakowski

Published Yesterday

BRANDON — The Lightning have a history of success with undrafted free agents, and Jimmy Huntington hopes to continue that trend.

The Lightning added depth by signing the forward in March, and the 20- year-old prospect made his first Tampa Bay appearance in Wednesday’s 2-0 preseason loss to Carolina.

After being passed over by every NHL team in the draft process, Huntington signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent, following the likes of forward Tyler Johnson and 22-year-old AHL Rookie of the Year Alex Barre-Boulet.

“It’s an honor,” Huntington said of his opportunity with the Lightning.

Huntington was injured during the rookie tournament Sept. 7-10 in Tennessee, so coach Jon Cooper got his first look at the young forward on Wednesday. Huntington centered the third line and played 13:51.

“He fared well,” Cooper said. “We count on these guys to kill penalties for us. He won some faceoffs for us and I thought he got stronger as the game went on.”

Huntington played 66 games and recorded 92 points with the Rimouski Oceanic in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League last season. His line featured Alexis Lafreniere, the top prospect eligible for the 2020 draft, per hockeyprospect.com.

“(Huntington) was the guy driving the line (for Rimouski),” said Lightning assistant general manager Stacy Roest. “The more we watched him, the more we liked him and the better he got.”

Huntington hopes to bring physicality to the ice over the life of his three- year contract.

“I see my role as a two-way forward, playing defense and offense,” Huntington said. “I have three years to prove myself.”

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153490 Tampa Bay Lightning

Jon Cooper: Lightning have more openings than ever before

By Diana C. Nearhos

Published Yesterday

Updated Earlier today

BRANDON — Roster spots aren’t the only competition in Lightning training camp. Players are also jockeying for positioning within the lineup.

“The bottom line is there are spots that are open on this team,” coach Jon Cooper said, “probably more than there have ever been before.”

There might be only one roster spot available at forward, given the Lightning have eight defensemen on NHL contracts and 12 returning forwards. But within the lineup, the fourth line, third-defensive pairing and second power-play unit are to be determined.

There’s always the chance that someone will shake things up further. Cooper said the Lightning are looking for high competitive drive, someone who can contribute. But that contribution could come in many forms.

“We’re looking for the fit,” he said. “That’s in the players’ hands. It’s for them to show us what they can do.”

The second power-play unit is almost entirely up in the air. Though the first group was a constant last season, the second’s lineup shifted frequently.

The biggest question is which defenseman will lead the unit. Kevin Shattenkirk and Mikhail Sergachev have experience. Sergachev played on the first unit and Shattenkirk on the other Wednesday.

The Lightning typically put just one defenseman on the power play, but they could consider a traditional three-forward, two-defensemen unit.

“We’re open to having power plays that put the puck in the net,” Cooper said.

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153491 Tampa Bay Lightning

Lightning shut out for second time of the preseason

By Diana C. Nearhos

Published Yesterday

Updated Yesterday

The Lightning came into training camp looking to improve in two areas: defensive habits and penalties. They did one better than the other Wednesday.

The Lightning didn’t even need a goalie to fend off a sustained Hurricanes possession at the end of a 2-0 preseason loss in Raleigh, N.C.

The Lightning pulled goalie Zach Fucale with about three minutes to play. The Hurricanes proceeded to maintain possession for over a minute; the Lightning deflected each of four shots.

The penalties, however, didn’t go as well. The Lightning took five in the game after taking six in their preseason opener against the Hurricanes on Tuesday, something coach Jon Cooper found disappointing.

Scoring, the Lightning’s greatest strength, also hasn’t gone well. Tampa Bay hasn’t scored in its two preseason games. Preseason is the operative word, which means there’s no need to panic. But everyone in the organization and its fans will feel better when someone scores.

The Lightning did even out the shot count, compared to Tuesday’s low showing. Tampa Bay put 21 shots on net to Carolina’s 24 on Wednesday.

Defenseman Cal Foote played a good game, including a very nice play to prevent a strong scoring chance in front of the goal. Gemel Smith led all Lightning players with 4:16 of shorthanded ice time, a distinction that usually goes to a defenseman.

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153492 Tampa Bay Lightning “Watching (Cal) go through the draft process, I wanted to follow in the same footsteps,” Nolan said. “Now I feel like it’s time to go our own paths. I’m a forward, he’s a defenseman, so build our own way.”

Lightning prospects Cal and Nolan Foote share NHL experience

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 09.20.2019

By Diana C. Nearhos

Published Yesterday

Updated Yesterday

Cal and Nolan Foote made a request coming into training camp: They wanted to room together. The Lightning shot that down, to guard against brotherly squabbles.

The Lightning’s last two first-round draft picks — Cal, a defenseman, in 2017, and Nolan, a wing, in 2019 — shared something better than a hotel room Wednesday night. They shared a NHL bench.

Nolan, 18, made his first appearance with the Lightning in a 2-0 preseason loss at Carolina. Cal, 20, was a late addition to the roster, giving them a chance to play in a NHL game together.

“It’s crazy,” Cal said before the game. “I’m very excited for (Nolan). Him, my family and I have been waiting for this, and I’m excited to get to be there.”

Cal wasn’t originally slated to play in the game. He mentioned to a few other players that maybe he’d try to go on the trip to see Nolan play. Then he got word of a change to the roster.

When rookie camp started two weeks ago, seeing Nolan across the dressing room didn’t seem quite real to Cal. Playing for the same team was something they’d dreamed about since they were kids but didn’t really think would happen.

They had joked about the possibility going into the June draft. Cal had been in the Lightning organization for two years, and wouldn’t it be cool if they drafted his little brother as well?

When it actually happened, that didn’t seem quite real, either.

“We were just so happy,” Nolan said. “We were just like, ‘There’s no way this just happened.’ ”

The brothers have always been close. They played together growing up and in juniors with Kelowna of the Western League. When Cal played for AHL Syracuse last year, they communicated every day in some form.

Of course, there were fights growing up — Cal, the bigger older brother, always won — though Nolan insisted that wouldn’t have been an issue sharing a room now. Most of their battles in recent years have been on the ice.

With Nolan at forward and Cal on defense, working out against each other is a natural fit. Even when Lightning rookie camp started and drills didn’t have too much force behind them, Cal and Nolan kicked it up a notch when they paired up.

There’s always an extra jab for a brother.

Nolan is the odd-man out in the Foote family. Despite a father and a brother at the blue line — dad Adam played 19 years in the NHL, most with Nordiques-Avalanche franchise — Nolan gravitated toward forward.

He said it was neither a matter of intentionally doing the opposite of his brother nor his brother having requested someone play opposite him in the driveway.

“I just love scoring goals,” Nolan said. “I just loved being on offense, always having the puck on my stick, shooting.”

Nolan is also the only left-hander in the family, as Cal is quick to point out.

Cal was able to give Nolan an idea of what to expect from training camp and the coaches, but he also wants to give Nolan space to do his own thing.

Nolan enjoys sharing this experience and playing with Cal. At the same time, he has been identified as Cal’s brother and/or Adam’s son his whole life. He wants to make a mark as his own player. 1153493 Tampa Bay Lightning

Lightning make first round of cuts

By Diana C. Nearhos

Published Yesterday

The Lightning made their first round of cuts on Wednesday. The team released three players from their tryouts and returned three forwards to their junior teams.

Gabriel Fortier, the 2018 second round pick, has been assigned to Baie- Comeau in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, where he spent the last three years.

Maxim Cajkovic, a third-round pick this year, returns to St. John, also in the QMJHL. He played there last year, the Slovakia native’s first year in North America.

Quinn Schmiemann, this year’s sixth-round pick, heads back to Kamloops of the , where he played last year.

The Lightning released forward Eli Zummack and defensemen Louis Crevier and Cody Donaghey. The team still has 56 players in training camp.

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153494 Tampa Bay Lightning

Free agent signings highlight Lightning lineup for Wednesday

By Ryan Kolakowski

Published Yesterday

Updated Yesterday

BRANDON – Several new faces, including free agent acquisitions and recent draftees, will appear for the Lightning on Wednesday when the team takes on Carolina Hurricanes 7 p.m. at PNC Arena in Raleigh.

Free agent signings Kevin Shattenkirk and Luke Schenn are in the lineup to make their first appearances with Tampa Bay. Nolan Foote, Tampa Bay’s first-round selection in the 2019 draft, will also play his first game.

Pat Maroon, another free agent signing who appeared in Wednesday’s morning skate on a forward line with Alex Barre-Boulet and Gemel Smith, was scratched from the lineup in favor of defenseman Cal Foote.

The late change gives the Lightning 11 forwards and seven defenseman, which could set Luke Witkowski up to play forward. The natural defenseman played forward with Detroit. If that’s the case, he could slide into Maroon’s spot in the morning skate.

Witkowski, who was drafted by Tampa Bay in 2008 and appeared in 54 games with the Lightning, returns to the organization after spending the last two years with the Red Wings. He signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Lightning as a free agent this offseason.

Forwards Cory Conacher, Alex Barre-Boulet and return to the lineup after appearing in Tuesday night’s game at Amalie Arena, a 3-0 loss to Carolina.

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153495 Toronto Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs sign draft pick Nicholas Robertson to entry-level contract

Staff Report

THE CANADIAN PRESS

PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

Nicholas Robertson was selected in the second round, 53rd overall, by the Leafs at June’s NHL draft.

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed forward Nicholas Robertson to a three- year, entry-level contract on Thursday.

The 18-year-old originally from Pasadena, Calif., had 25 goals and 55 points in 54 games for the Ontario Hockey League’s Peterborough Petes in 2018-19.

In 116 career regular-season OHL games, he registered 88 points (42 goals, 46 assists) to go along with a goal and an assist in five playoff games.

Robertson was selected in the second round, 53rd overall, by the Leafs at June’s NHL draft.

Globe And Mail LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153496 Toronto Maple Leafs And he plateaued. He was 11th in points per 60 minutes two seasons ago, and 13th last year. His career best is 73 points, and the league leader had 128 last year. He talks about staying healthy, but he has to do it. Potential Leafs captain Auston Matthews gets comfy in the good old cocky game There’s more to give. In his first three seasons in the NHL, Matthews has scored more five-on-five goals than any other player. He’s got three more than second-place Connor McDavid in 900 fewer minutes and 30 fewer games. Overall, Matthews is fifth in goals scored in the last three years. By Bruce Arthur Sports Columnist He’s first in goals per minute played, by a lot. Thu., Sept. 19, 2019 His playmaking has improved: his five-on-five assists per 60 have gone from 0.62 to 1.23 to 1.41 in three years. His two-way game has shown flashes of dominance, if not consistently. If there was an enduring image for the Maple Leafs from Toronto’s pre- season game against the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday night … wait, But he hasn’t put it all together yet, and this is another chance to do so. start again. If there is such a thing as an enduring image from a pre- He’s back with William Nylander after last year largely apart, and season game against the Ottawa Senators, then it wasn’t Auston Johnsson could fit well there. He has said he and Babcock see closer to Matthews’s first goal, where he swizzled the puck and casually whipped eye to eye on ice time, which Matthews thinks is a situational question it. It wasn’t Auston Matthews’s second goal, where he batted a puck off after he finished 64th in ice time among forwards last season. He’s in a his arm and out of the air. Been there, done that. new power-play slot. Maybe it helps.

“We’ve been with him for a couple years, so we’ve seen this before,” So maybe this is the year everything happens at the same time. Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly told reporters in Ottawa. “He’s a great Matthews might sneer, might celebrate, might do another fashion spread player.” that you or I don’t get, but which he enjoys. But let’s see if he can finally do everything that was promised. Then he can strut. No, the big viral moment was Matthews getting into a thing with Ottawa’s Scott Sabourin. Sabourin is a 27-year-old hockey journeyman — he has bounced through the AHL and the ECHL, mostly collecting penalties in Toronto Star LOADED: 09.20.2019 the old hockey way. Those guys still exist.

Anyway, earlier in the game Sabourin had slew-footed Rielly behind the net, and then he hit Andreas Johnsson along the boards, after which he fought defenceman Ben Harpur. Sabourin was running around, and he and Matthews got a little close midway through the third.

And Matthews decided to act like a proper heel: making a deliberate show of trying to look around Sabourin to see the name on the back of his jersey. Sorry, buddy, I’ll need to see some ID. It’s not a new move, but it was acidic disrespect.

Hockey has a long and inglorious history of any guy being able to take a run at a star, legally or otherwise, in an attempt to drag said star down to his level. Matthews, smartly, didn’t fight Sabourin. He left that to Harpur, the former Senator who got walked by ex-Leaf Connor Brown, and who is the current leader in the clubhouse for the guy you might worry that Mike Babcock could inexplicably play far more than he should.

After three seasons with the Maple Leafs, star centre Auston Matthews appears comfortable with the game of give and take — on and off the ice.

“Obviously this is more of an individual time of year, so guys are trying to make impressions and fight for spots,” Matthews told reporters.

The competitive arrogance Matthews showed, though — that was someone who is confident, or more. He’s starting to grow into himself, to become comfortable being exactly who he is. Ergo, the hair, the fashion, the moustache. Matthews came into the NHL at 18 years old and scored four goals in his debut in Ottawa. It was splashy.

But this is year four. He’s got the five-year deal at $11.6 million U.S. per season that reordered the elite second contract market. He’s probably the next captain of this team, when they finally name one. Rielly is probably the most temperamentally suited to do the job, but Matthews is the big dog. He’s a pillar, and much is expected.

“Yeah, I thought I felt that last year as well, but I think every year that goes by you get more and more comfortable with that,” said Matthews earlier in camp. “So I think that’s what the management expects out of myself, and that’s what I expect out of myself too.”

Toronto, meanwhile, is built to play fast, skilled, forget-the-pests hockey as much as any team in the modern era. Babcock may try to throw some sandpaper into the machine, of course, and that’s yet to be accounted for. If Roman Polak was in the room, Roman Polak would play third pair.

But this is a team that is now built for speed, skill, and for the top four forwards to make half the salary cap on two top-heavy lines, so they’d better carry the weight. Matthews hasn’t had the monster season he can deliver yet. His rookie year was a scoring tour de force, with 40 goals but limited power-play production and playmaking. He upped his game, but missed 20 games in his second season and 14 more in his third; he said last year it took a month or two after returning from his shoulder injury to feel right again. 1153497 Toronto Maple Leafs

Leafs sign prospect Nick Robertson to entry-level contract

Staff Report

By The Canadian Press

Thu., Sept. 19, 2019

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed forward Nicholas Robertson to a three- year, entry-level contract on Thursday.

The 18-year-old originally from Pasadena, Calif., had 25 goals and 55 points in 54 games for the Ontario Hockey League’s Peterborough Petes in 2018-19.

In 116 career regular-season OHL games, he’s registered 88 points (42 goals, 46 assists) to go along with a goal and an assist in five playoff games.

Robertson was selected in the second round, 53rd overall, by the Leafs at June’s NHL draft.

Toronto Star LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153498 Toronto Maple Leafs At forward, Pontus Aberg, Nic Petan and Kenny Agostino played with some spirit in Ottawa and it’s becoming more clear that Ilya Mikheyev will start the season in a Leafs uniform.

Ceci, Rielly know that talking a good game should lead to chemistry on One player to watch a little more intently will be veteran Jason Spezza as Leafs blue line he looks for pace in a new role.

Babcock already has needled Spezza a bit publicly (for no good reason), and it’s up to Spezza to respond accordingly on the ice. Terry Koshan LOOSE LEAFS September 19, 2019 10:15 PM EDT Rielly led all Leafs in ice time on Wednesday at 27 minutes 10 seconds, while Matthews led Toronto forwards with 22 minutes 50 seconds. Rielly won’t have a problem getting lots of ice once the regular season starts. The Maple Leafs defence pairing is in a state of adjustment and will be Matthews? We’ll have to see. Matthews was on the ice for exactly 20 for the remainder of the pre-season, if not beyond, and crucial in making minutes at even-strength, a total which will diminish when the Leafs are each other succeed will be open lines of communication on the ice and using all their regular forwards. Still, Babcock should find a way to use off. Matthews more at even-strength than he did last season, when Matthews The two had a good jumping-off point in the Leafs’ pre-season loss in came in at 15 minutes 57 seconds, putting him 33rd among NHL Ottawa on Wednesday night, each playing in the range of 27 minutes forwards. Mitch Marner was 35th at 15 minutes 53 seconds … Now that against the Senators. he is the head coach of the Senators, what will D.J. Smith take from working on Babcock’s staff? “The one thing Mike does tremendously well “It’s always tough going to a new team,” Ceci said. “It’s all new systems is his team is detailed, they are organized, and he is a tireless worker,” and trying to pop pucks into different spots than you are used to Smith said. “Your players have to know how much time you put into it. naturally, so it helps a lot when someone talks to you. Under him for four years, I have had the opportunity to learn that, to learn how to grind in the NHL. It’s not just five games, 10 games, it’s 82 games “He is a very vocal player and a great skater. It’s good to have these and you have to stay on it. It’s not easy but he is very good at it.” exhibition games to figure all that out.”

While coach Mike Babcock wonders like everyone else which defencemen will be his third pairing, and who will be the seventh Toronto Sun LOADED: 09.20.2019 defenceman to possibly take a step into the lineup without missing a beat, it’s paramount that Rielly and Ceci, who is facing unrestricted free agency next summer, get in rhythm as quickly as they can.

Following personal growth that was aided by the presence of veteran Ron Hainsey, Rielly is being asked to adapt to a new partner, one who is trying to find solid footing with the Leafs after struggles with the Senators.

In the longer view, Rielly doesn’t anticipate much of a challenge working with Ceci after punching the clock with Hainsey the past few years.

“They play differently, but it’s just about style, not necessarily about experience,” Rielly said. “We’re talking more than we thought. I know you hear it a lot that it’s important, the cliche is thrown out there, but we’re doing a good job with it.”

It’s safe to envision Nick Robertson one day skating on a line with Auston Matthews or John Tavares.

Signed to a three-year entry-level contract by the Leafs on Thursday, Robertson is projecting to be a top-six forward by the time he makes it to the National Hockey League.

The expectations this season for Robertson with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League are high, and rightfully so.

The 18-year-old was among the Leafs’ best players at the recent prospects tournament in Traverse City, Mich., and there’s no reason to believe upward of 100 points is not attainable for Robertson in 2019-20.

The Leafs’ second-round pick, 53rd overall, this past June long has beaten the odds, none more than when he was born three months premature on Sept. 11, 2001.

The odds now are in Robertson’s favour, considering the dynamic and determined ways he plays the game, methods that fit the Leafs’ philosophy. Continue on the upward path he is on and Robertson has the potential to one day be an impactful player with the Leafs.

BACK AT IT

After a busy week in St. John’s capped by back-to-back pre-season games, the Leafs were given a full day off on Thursday.

They will return to work on Friday morning at the Ford Performance Centre before one group plays host to the Buffalo Sabres on Friday night at Scotiabank Arena.

Six pre-season games remain with several roster spots to be claimed.

On defence, Rasmus Sandin and Teemu Kivihalme showed well in Ottawa, while Martin Marincin, Ben Harpur, and Jordan Schmaltz also are in the mix. Justin Holl and Kevin Gravel also want to leave a solid impression with Babcock. 1153499 Toronto Maple Leafs Then 23, Petan played in one preseason game for the Jets last fall. The next day his father, Franc, passed away suddenly. Petan went on indefinite leave and missed the rest of the preseason. He sat out the first 13 games of the regular season too. He couldn’t find much playing time Nic Petan may never get a better shot to prove he belongs in the NHL — when he returned. Six minutes here. Eight minutes there. Four minutes and with the Leafs and 21 seconds one night against Washington. Next to no time on the power play.

Eventually, he stopped playing entirely for head coach Paul Maurice. By Jonas Siegel From late December until the Leafs finally traded for him on Feb. 25, Sep 19, 2019 Petan didn’t get into a single game. Twenty-six consecutive healthy scratches.

That was on top of everything personally. First day of camp in Newfoundland. First shift of the scrimmage for Nic Petan. The 24-year-old drives hard down the middle of the ice and “It was tough,” Petan said of what he endured personally and cashes in a pass from Ilya Mikheyev. professionally last season. “Yeah, not much I can really communicate about that. It was just a year you want to put behind you.” Watching from above, in a corner of the arena with management and other members of the coaching staff all looking on, Mike Babcock thinks Starting with that first pop on the first day of camp, it’s evident that Petan to himself, Yes! An opening strike of confidence for a player who may is carrying a newfound bit of swagger about him, an extra bit of pace and have no better opportunity than right now to prove he belongs in the NHL energy to his game. He’s looking at all this as a fresh start, not only with — with the Leafs. a team that was unfamiliar to him when he arrived last spring but with hockey in general. With still recovering from a torn ACL, and Babcock experimenting with Kasperi Kapanen in his place, a hole has opened up The one-year anniversary of his father’s passing was this week. on the right wing of the team’s third line. And since camp started last “He got here halfway through a season, which is always difficult,” Morgan week, Petan has been the one to fill it, joining Mikheyev and fellow B.C. Rielly said, who’s known Petan since the two were kids on opposing boy and good buddy . sides of the minor hockey circuit in B.C. “So for him to get a full training “I’m trying to give everyone an opportunity to grab a job,” Babcock said camp (with the team) is important.” before Petan made his preseason debut in Ottawa, “but it looks to me Rielly, Petan and Kerfoot all train together in B.C. during the summer like he’s getting more of an opportunity than some people.” months and “he’s always flying around,” Rielly said. “You can tell he’s It’s the kind of opportunity Petan rarely got over four seasons with the really motivated.” Jets, the team that plucked him in the second round of the 2013 Draft Petan probably has a pretty decent chance at cracking the Leafs out of and where he suited up only 113 times. camp. The bigger question is whether he earns a chance to suit up on “In Winnipeg, it was a sorta similar position every year,” Petan said, “I opening night. It wasn’t long after the trade from Winnipeg that his agent was just fighting for a job and that’s what I’m doing again this year. But I and the Leafs started talking about a new contract. Even though Petan think I have a little more confidence this year going in just because I had barely played for the team to that point, the two sides eventually really have nothing to lose here. I’m just going to come in, play my game found their way to a two-year deal with an annual cap hit of $775,000. If and whatever happens, happens. But I feel good where I’m at and I’m Petan flourishes with more opportunity, the Leafs get inexpensive depth fighting for that spot.” to surround their core. And if he doesn’t, Petan’s contract is easily buried.

Opportunity — or lack thereof — has been a big part of the story with For Petan, it felt like new life in the NHL. He’ll start the year donning No. Petan in the NHL. The guy who finished in the top two in WHL scoring in 61 for the first time, turning over his former No. 19 upside down after the back-to-back seasons (tied for first one year, second the other) never did arrival of Jason Spezza. draw much of a look with players who played like him in Winnipeg. He might not get a better chance than this. In addition to lining up (for Among his most frequent linemates with the Jets were worker bee now at least) with Kerfoot and Mikheyev, Petan also drew looks against Andrew Copp and WWE star-lookalike Chris Thorburn. the Senators on the same power-play unit as Auston Matthews, William Petan sneaks a grin at this, how much time he teamed up with Thorburn, Nylander, Andreas Johnsson and Morgan Rielly. who has 968 penalty minutes over 801 career NHL games. He nearly scored at even-strength on a feed from Kenny Agostino and “You have a lot of conversations with a lot of people about my time got credit for an assist on a late goal from Nick Shore. He finished the playing in the NHL, and (it’s about) opportunity, minutes, and all that,” night with 15 minutes of ice. Petan, who’s averaged 10 minutes of ice time per game in his career, Petan probably doesn’t get this chance if Hyman isn’t out and Babcock said. “So I’ve been through it 120 times.” doesn’t need a replacement for him on the John Tavares line. It’s up to Petan continued, “I think this game’s all about opportunity. You can make him now to show that he deserves it, to prove that he can win puck something happen in five minutes of ice, and you can also make battles against bigger dudes and inject some of the zest which has so far something happen in 15, 16 minutes of ice. That’s more my style. But resulted in only six goals and 24 points in the NHL, including one goal in wherever I fit in this league, that’s where I want to be. It’s the NHL right. five games with the Leafs. But I’m just looking for the opportunity to get a little bit more minutes and “Everybody’s getting an opportunity, so you gotta decide what you’re show my style of play.” going to do with that opportunity,” Babcock said. “You decide where Was the lack of opportunity in Winnipeg unjust though? Or did the Jets you’re playing. We just watch you.” just have a wave of emerging forwards — Mark Scheifele, Nik Ehlers,

Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor among them — that bumped Petan to the fringes? The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019

Whatever the case, Babcock is giving him a chance to prove he belongs now. The Leafs coach could have opted for Jeremy Bracco, Pontus Aberg or Trevor Moore to start with Kerfoot and Mikheyev (and may still do so) but turned instead to Petan. His exit meeting with Babcock didn’t last very long when it went down last spring. Babcock told him he was a welcome addition, but that he already had his “guys” when Petan came aboard in February in a deal that sent Par Lindholm to Winnipeg. He’d heard good things though. It was the kind of uplifting message Petan probably needed to hear, especially after how brutal last year undoubtedly was for him. 1153500 Vegas Golden Knights The Knights have tried to conceal the plans for their rookie defensemen, and Gallant playfully taunted the media after morning skate Thursday.

But the Nic Hague-Nate Schmidt pairing, which was a constant through Golden Knights rally to beat Kings in OT on goal by Marchessault the first four days of camp, was together again. It’s obvious Gallant and the front office want to see how they work together.

Hague played a team-high 22:08 and finished with a plus-1 rating. By David Schoen Las Vegas Review-Journal Gallant said he wants his roster close to finalized for the final two September 19, 2019 - 10:07 PM preseason games, meaning Hague has two more chances to impress.

Updated September 20, 2019 - 12:33 am

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 09.20.2019 LOS ANGELES — Golden Knights coach Gerard Gallant isn’t concerned with results during the preseason.

Quiet as kept, though, the Knights won their fifth in a row and ninth of their past 10 exhibition games dating back to last season with Thursday’s 3-2 overtime win over Los Angeles at Staples Center.

Jonathan Marchessault scored 1:04 into overtime after Curtis McKenzie and Mark Stone scored 54 seconds apart in the third period for the Knights.

Goaltender Oscar Dansk made 36 saves, but the Knights’ shutout streak ended at 150:07 when Kings forward Dustin Brown banged in a rebound late in the second period.

“It doesn’t matter to me if we win or lose as long as we play hard,” Gallant said. “When you come back and win that, they feel real good about themselves and it builds confidence for your team.”

Here’s what we learned from the Knights’ win:

1. Glass gets “fair chance” on the wing.

Cody Glass joked at the start of rookie camp that he would play defense if it meant making the 23-man roster.

The top prospect is projected to play center as a pro, but let’s be honest. Barring injury, the 20-year-old is not going to beat out William Karlsson, Paul Stastny or Cody Eakin at that position, and he’s not suited to play a checking role on the fourth line.

That’s why Glass lined up at right wing next to Eakin and left wing Alex Tuch for the first two periods against Los Angeles, to give him a “fair chance” to win a job on the third line, according to Gallant.

Glass was most effective on the power play from the half-wall, where he set up Nic Hague and Jimmy Schuldt for scoring chances.

He centered Mark Stone and Jonathan Marchessault in the third period when William Karlsson was held out as a precaution.

The Knights have one spot open as a third-line wing and will keep at least one extra forward, depending on how many rookie defensemen make the team. Glass may not win a job, but he could be an option on the wing at some point in the event of injury.

“The first period was kind of a rough start. I wasn’t really used to it,” Glass said. “But second period, I figured it out and I felt like I was creating a lot of chances.”

2. Stone-Marchessault, heart emoji.

Flash back to Saturday, when Gallant was asked about the possibility of matching Stone and Marchessault on a line after their success together with Team Canada.

“I don’t care what they did in the world championships,” he said at the time.

Maybe Gallant overdosed on Coke Zero, because he decided to feature Stone at right wing on the first line with Marchessault and Karlsson. Reilly Smith was a healthy scratch.

The duo combined for the game-tying goal in the third period, when Marchessault poked the puck ahead and Stone scored on a breakaway with five minutes remaining.

The Knights’ top six is locked in to start the season, with Stone slated to skate with center Paul Stastny and left wing Max Pacioretty. But it was worth testing in case of a slump or, knock on wood, injury.

3. Hague plays on top pairing. 1153501 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights to host alien contest at practice

By Rochelle Richards Las Vegas Review-Journal

September 19, 2019 - 5:29 PM

Golden Knights practice on Friday will be out of this world.

In honor of the Area 51 festivities happening in Nevada this weekend, the Knights are encouraging fans to dress up as aliens for Friday morning’s practice.

The best-dressed alien will win an Area 51 VGK jersey.

Practice begins at 10:30 a.m. at City National Arena.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153502 Vegas Golden Knights

Patrick Brown could provide much-needed depth for Golden Knights

By Ben Gotz Las Vegas Review-Journal

September 19, 2019 - 3:38 PM

Patrick Brown gave a wry smile when asked about his welcome to the Golden Knights.

“What are you talking about?” he asked innocently.

He knew what, and it was the fact that in the last competitive game he played, his defeated the Knights’ American Hockey League affiliate, the , to win the Calder Cup championship.

Brown said all that’s in the past. He wants to make an impact on his new team and provide depth so it can win a Cup of its own.

“Everyone’s been great,” Brown said. “Really friendly guys. It’s a new season; we’re all teammates now.”

Brown, 27, signed a two-year contract worth up to $1.4 million with the Knights on the opening day of free agency July 1. The self-described “gritty, hard-nosed” forward is doing his best to make the team out of training camp, but if he doesn’t, he’ll be a much-needed insurance policy in Chicago.

The Knights lost forwards Tomas Hyka and Daniel Carr, who both spent most of last season with the Wolves but played a combined 23 NHL games, this offseason. Left wing Brandon Pirri, whom the Knights called up for 31 games last season, might win a job out of camp.

That means Brown, in the worst case scenario for himself, will provide a veteran presence in Chicago and serve as organizational depth. But he’s obviously hoping it doesn’t come to that and he earns a bottom-six job out of camp.

“I’m trying to score, but if it doesn’t happen, hopefully I’m doing a lot of other good things out there,” said Brown, who had 35 points in 70 AHL games last season. “Blocking shots, getting the puck out of my zone, forechecking, all that stuff.”

Theodore skates

Defenseman Shea Theodore participated in his first practice of training camp Thursday along with the rest of the Knights players who didn’t travel for their preseason game at the Los Angeles Kings.

Theodore is nursing a “minor tweak” he suffered during testing, according to coach Gerard Gallant. His absence was not related to his surgery for testicular cancer this summer.

Gallant said last week that the Knights will bring Theodore back slowly because he was mostly inactive for six weeks after the surgery.

Odds and ends

— Defenseman Nate Schmidt accomplished something unique at the morning skate when his stick broke and his blade flew past the net and over the glass. He bowed to an impressed crowd afterward.

— The Knights created an account on the social media video app TikTok. Fans can follow them by searching “VegasGoldenKnights” on the platform.

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GAME DAY: Golden Knights look for third straight preseason win

By David Schoen Las Vegas Review-Journal

September 19, 2019 - 11:34 am

Updated September 19, 2019 - 1:05 PM

LOS ANGELES — The Golden Knights look to remain undefeated in the preseason when they face the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday at Staples Center.

Opening faceoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., and the game will be televised on KTNV-13 and NHL Network.

Goaltender Oscar Dansk will make his first start of the preseason for the Knights, and coach Gerard Gallant unveiled two intriguing forward line combinations during morning skate at City National Arena.

Mark Stone is set to make his preseason debut at right wing with center William Karlsson and left wing Jonathan Marchessault. Stone and Marchessault skated together during the IIHF world championship in May and helped Team Canada to the silver medal.

Also, top prospect Cody Glass will move to right wing and skate with center Cody Eakin and left wing Alex Tuch. Glass, the sixth overall pick in the 2017 draft, played center throughout his career in major-junior.

“We want to give (Glass) a shot on the right side just to see how he gets along with those guys tonight,” Gallant said. “He’s going to play center most of the time but sometimes we’re making little switches so we’ll see the line gets along.

“You hope it goes well. You hope he looks good and all that. It’s things in the back of coaches’ minds when you talk about your lineups. You look down the road or you look at three weeks’ time and you say, ‘Is this a possibility? Well, it might be.’ It’s the time to do it.”

The Knights are coming off a 5-0 win at Colorado on Tuesday, as Brandon Pirri notched two goals and an assist. Goaltender Garret Sparks made 24 saves to record the shutout in his debut.

The Knights have outscored their two opponents in the preseason 11-2 and successfully killed 13 straight penalties.

Los Angeles played a pair of split-squad games on Tuesday, winning 4-1 at Arizona while losing 5-0 at home to the Coyotes.

Kings coach Todd McLellan is expected to ice a relatively strong squad after resting his top line along with defenseman Drew Doughty on Tuesday.

Winger Ilya Kovalchuk suffered an undisclosed injury Wednesday during practice and will not be available.

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Capitals make their first round of training camp cuts

By Samantha Pell

September 19 at 2:45 PM

The Washington Capitals made their first round of training camp cuts Thursday, sending Canadian junior players and Europeans playing abroad this season back to their respective clubs and other players to the team’s American Hockey League affiliate in Hershey, Pa.

On its first off-day of training camp, the team cut 18 players from its preseason roster, including 2019 first-round draft pick Connor McMichael. McMichael, 18, played in the team’s first two preseason games, impressing Capitals Coach Todd Reirden. McMichael was thought to be a possible third-line center replacement option with center Evgeny Kuznetsov suspended for the first three games of the season.

“McMichael for him, he is excellent with the puck,” Reirden said before the Capitals’ 3-2 win against the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday. “His offensive reads and feel for the game has been I think very strong for a young player so far and the challenge of playing defense in this team is so important at this level.”

NHL teams have until Oct. 1 to trim down their roster and get under the salary cap. With a projected 23-man roster, the team is more than $1.3 million over the salary cap ceiling of $81.5 million, according to CapFriendly.com. The Capitals will get some salary-cap relief while Kuznetsov is suspended because his $7.8 million cap hit will be off the books until he returns Oct. 8 against the Dallas Stars. Kuznetsov’s suspension will buy them an additional week to become compliant.

Washington will play its third preseason game Saturday night at home against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Capitals are 2-0 in the preseason, with a 4-3 overtime win Monday against the Chicago Blackhawks and the 3-2 win over the Blues.

Washington Post LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153505 Washington Capitals

McMichael, Protas turn in strong showings before Capitals trim camp roster

By Adam Zielonka - The Washington Times

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Connor McMichael and Aliaksei Protas are sure to remember their NHL preseason debuts.

McMichael, the Washington Capitals‘ first-round draft pick in 2019, pulled off a slick backhand assist on their first goal of the night Monday. Protas, this year’s third-round pick, rang up a goal and two assists, including the primary helper on Tom Wilson’s game-winner in overtime to beat the Chicago Blackhawks.

“When I first stepped on the ice, I kinda felt the nerves, but after a couple shifts I felt good,” McMichael said. “I felt like it was just another game for me. I felt comfortable, so I had a lot of fun.”

Jump to Thursday, and the two centers were returned to their junior league teams in Canada as the Capitals trimmed 18 players from their training camp roster.

That wasn’t an indication that Washington’s staff was unhappy with their play. There was little chance to begin with that either McMichael or Protas would make the opening-night 23-man roster.

McMichael perhaps had an outside shot, given Evgeny Kuznetsov’s three-game suspension to start the year puts the Capitals down a center. He got a second look Wednesday, filling in when Lars Eller was scratched with an upper-body injury.

But the 18-year-old stands to gain from at least one more year with the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights, where he is coached by Capitals great Dale Hunter.

Protas, from Belarus, won’t fit into the Capitals‘ plans for a few seasons either. But for fans, the promise is something worth looking forward to.

“Between Protas and McMichael, obviously, you can see the skill,” coach Todd Reirden said. “It’s exciting for our future and fun to watch them go through their first game together. Both made some really strong plays.”

Reirden was less pleased with how Jonas Siegenthaler and Christian Djoos performed Monday night, but chalked it up to being the first game. The two young blueliners are competing for the third-line left defenseman job.

“I thought they got better as the game went on. Particularly the third period was better,” Reirden said. “But like I said, it’s a little more scrambly than normal and some people weren’t always in the spots they were supposed to be in. But that’s part of the process. Like I said, talking to all ranges of guys from the most skilled, elite players to guys that are playing their first game, that first one is not ever easy … I think they both can play better than they did tonight, and they will.”

In Wednesday’s game against the St. Louis Blues, top players like Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom got their first work of the preseason. Newly acquired players Radko Gudas and Richard Panik scored goals, and Backstrom netted the game-winner with seven seconds remaining for Washington to win 3-2.

The Capitals reduced their training camp roster to 44 players Thursday with four preseason games to go. They play one more at home, Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes, before the final three come on the road.

Washington Times LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153506 Washington Capitals Braden Holtby Vitek Vanecek

Vanecek and Ilya Samsonov played well enough on Wednesday that Projecting the Caps’ opening night roster after first round of cuts replacing Pheonix Copley seems like a real possibility. You need to see more from them than simply half a preseason game, but we will get that chance as the preseason rolls along. The problem here is Copley’s $1.1 By J.J. Regan million cap hit. If Vanecek and Samsonov can get the job done for less money -- and it looked like they could against St. Louis -- then Copley is September 19, 2019 3:13 PM likely headed to waivers.

Why Vanecek over Samsonov? First off, with this roster projection, the The Capitals are a week into training camp and the opening roster is team could afford to keep Djoos with Vanecek as a backup with his starting to come into focus. The first round of cuts was made on $716,667 cap hit, but not with Samsonov's $925,000 cap hit. The cap is Thursday and while none of the names were all that shocking, it does tell that tight. Getting Samsonov consistent playing time is also important for us that the team does not intend to get cute with its roster makeup with his development. He will get that in Hershey, but not in Washington. Evgeny Kuznetsov out. Vanecek is waiver exempt so the team will still be able to shuffle Samsonov and Vanecek to make sure they both get NHL playing time. Here’s a projection of the Caps’ opening night roster through the first cuts That added flexibility is a plus as well. Otherwise, it would mean putting and first week of camp. Copley on waivers in the middle of the season when he is probably more likely to get claimed. Offense

Alex Ovechkin - Nicklas Backstrom - Tom Wilson Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.20.2019 Jakub Vrana - Lars Eller - T.J. Oshie

Carl Hagelin - Travis Boyd - Richard Panik

Brendan Leipsic - Nic Dowd - Garnett Hathaway

Chandler Stephenson

Suspended: Evgeny Kuznetsov

The top two lines are all but set. They have been practicing this way for much of camp and it seems unlikely that Todd Reirden will start that way and then randomly shuffle his top six.

Stephenson did little to help his stock on Monday with an underwhelming performance in the preseason opener against a pretty bad Chicago lineup. I see him in Washington the first week but sent down to Hershey once Kuznetsov returns. He is someone who could probably clear waivers even if it not done on the traditional waiver dump right before the league season officially starts. Boyd did a little better than Stephenson on Monday and I think he will ultimately get to stick around this season in case the team wants to boost the offense of the fourth line. For now, he can be inserted in on the third line at center.

Defense

Michal Kempny - John Carlson

Dmitry Orlov - Nick Jensen

Jonas Siegenthaler - Radko Gudas

Christian Djoos

The conversation around Kempny shifted a bit on Wednesday. The sense I was getting prior to that was that the team was all-in on Kempny being ready for the first game of the regular season. Reirden reiterated that on Wednesday, but also said he would like to get him into a preseason game if possible. To me, that may be a sign that Kempny is progressing. Even if he is not ready for the preseason, I do believe he is on pace for the start of the regular season at this point.

I felt Jensen looked pretty comfortable in the preseason opener on Monday. Granted that was against a bad roster, but he red plays well, jumped up into the offense and, critically, he was able to hold his own on the left side which is something he was really dreadful at last season.

Gudas scored a goal on Wednesday, but I thought he looked a bit slow in his own end. As of now, I still give Jensen the edge in that race and I think Gudas will be better off on the third pair anyway.

Djoos was better than Siegenthaler on Monday, but I feel Siegenthaler bought himself some time with his performance in the playoffs last year. It is going to be really hard for the Caps to justify Djoos’ salary as $1.25 million is too much for a No. 6-7 defenseman. Ultimately, the onus is on him to show the team he is someone they simply cannot afford to lose.

There is a way for the team to keep Djoos, but it depends on who backs up Braden Holtby.

Goalie 1153507 Washington Capitals

Capitals roster cuts: Draft picks Connor McMichael, Aliaksei Protas headline initial round

By J.J. Regan

September 19, 2019 1:44 PM

The Capitals made their first round of training camp cuts on Thursday, trimming 18 players from the team’s roster including preseason standouts Connor McMichael and Aliaksei Protas.

McMichael was Washington’s first-round draft pick in 2019. He tallied an incredible assist in Monday’s preseason opener, backhanding a no-look pass to a wide-open Damien Riat. His solid performance earned him another game on Wednesday where he moved up to the third line. The highlight of the night was McMichael attempting a between-the-legs shot on Stanley Cup champion goalie Jordan Binnington.

“It’s a pretty good goalie he was trying that move on,” head coach Todd Reirden said. “He has some swagger to him, he has some confidence. He’s not afraid to try plays. That’s some of the stuff that pushes guys into the first round.”

McMichael’s strong play in camp and in the preseason opened the door perhaps for him to compete to stay in Washington for the start of the season.

With the suspension to Evgeny Kuznetsov, Washington finds itself down a center for the first three games. With Lars Eller moving up to the second line, that leaves an opening on the third between Carl Hagelin and Richard Panik, where McMichael played on Wednesday.

That, however, does not appear to be in the cards as McMichael is headed back to his junior team, the London Knights.

Protas, who scored a goal and two assists on Monday, was also among the players cut. A third-round draft pick in 2019, Protas was extremely impressive in the preseason for his all-around game. He showed good awareness, vision and speed. His skating form needs work, but this is a player who looks like he has an NHL future ahead of him which is not always the case for mid-round draft picks.

The fact that McMichael and Protas were among the first cuts should not be seen as an indictment of their play by the team. Junior players are usually among the first cuts so they can return to their teams during training camp. The only reason this was a question was because of Kuznetsov’s suspension, but ultimately the team has other candidates to turn to at third-line center. With a brutal October schedule, the first week of the season may not be the best time to get cute or creative with roster choices.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153508 Washington Capitals dynamic player who drives offense to an elite degree. Both centers should find themselves around 80 points this season.

All of that is still true for each player and it’s the reason that all three have 2019-20 NHL Season Preview: Washington Capitals been able to drive strong goal differentials over the last few seasons despite the team being routinely out-chanced according to public metrics. It’s very clear from watching that the Capitals are playing to their strengths when those three are out there and creating strong chances By Dom Luszczyszyn offensively that wouldn’t register as such using public tools. Location isn’t Sep 19, 2019 everything when you can move the puck across seams the way some of Washington’s best players can.

But there’s likely a limit to that and I think last year’s numbers may have For four straight seasons, the Washington Capitals have won their approached it, especially for Ovechkin and Kuznetsov on the top line. In division, and the team has earned over 100 points in five straight years. 2017-18, both players were right around average for expected goals, but There’s probably no safer bet in hockey than predicting both things to still out-scored teams 55 percent of the time off the strength of their happen for the Capitals, and yet once again, my model is a bit contrarian offensive game. Their on-ice shooting percentage was around 10 percent when it comes to their chances. which is normal for both players and it led to them scoring 0.3-to-0.4 more goals-per-60. Flash forward to 2018-19 and both player’s expected Though my model sees a strong team in Washington, there’s still a sense goals rate plummets to 45 percent (and 43 percent in 585 minutes of skepticism when it comes to how the Capitals earn wins as it’s together), but their goals percentage actually increases to 56.5 percent unconventional compared to the rest of the league. For most teams, a for Ovechkin and 58.5 percent for Kuznetsov. With Ovechkin, the weak expected goals rate coupled with high percentages screams Capitals were scoring 1.15 more goals than expected with him on the ice regression, but the Capitals have made a habit of routinely being the off of an 11.7 percent on-ice shooting percentage, while for Kuznetsov exception to the rule. that number was 0.89 off of an 11.6 percent on-ice shooting percentage. Over the past four seasons, the Capitals have earned a middling 49.7 As terrific as both players are offensively, those on-ice shooting percent expected goals share, but a league-leading 56.4 percent goals percentages have never been matched before in either player’s career. share. That near seven percentage point difference is far and away the (It’s worth noting that there was a league-wide shooting percentage spike largest in the league, and it stems from the team’s efficiency at exploiting where it’s hard to discern what the new normal is and it’s possible in that tactics that aren’t currently measured. It means models like this one context that the Capitals’ duo can repeat the feat). When it comes to the (even though it uses goal-based data as well) can tend to underrate the difference between actual and expected goals, Ovechkin has only had team’s ability and that may just be the case again this season. one as large as 1.15 goals-per-60 once in his career, during the prolific A 96.7 point projection is nothing to scoff at and a step up from last 2009-10 season where the Capitals scored 4.1 goals on 2.8 expected year’s prediction (and for the record, it is in line with the market, unlike goals with him on the ice. A year later that was 2.7 goals on 2.6 expected last season), but it’s a step back from the team’s 104-point division- goals. Even if we accept that both players have offensive super-powers, winning finish. While some of that stems from the team’s unique ability to it’s likely that they regress to their previous elite range and not what they surpass its expected goal rate due to the talent at hand, it also comes showed last season. On offense, they’re Iron-Man and Captain America, with age. not Thor and Captain Marvel.

The Capitals are one of the league’s oldest teams and a model that Perhaps the much bigger issue is defense. The Capitals have one of the adjusts for age like this one will expect a small decline as a result, like league’s best goalies and he’s sure getting tested whenever these two what happened to the Sharks in their preview. Without age adjustments, are out there. Both players allowed over three expected goals-per-60, the the Capitals would be projected for 3.2 more points, a 99.9-point highest figure each has ever allowed in their career and a feat only projection. It would still be good for ninth in the league, but the point total matched by six other forwards last year – one of them being linemate is more in line with what some fans might be expecting. The age Tom Wilson. Neither has ever been defensively responsible, but last adjustment factor is tied with San Jose and Nashville as the largest season was a new low for both. Ovechkin and Kuznetsov rank as the discrepancy in the league. second- and fourth-worst defensive forwards in the league by expected goals according to my model. But just because that’s in the ballpark of the team’s previous seasons doesn’t mean it’s where the team will be going forward. The team can still As for Backstrom, I’m just not sure he’s the player he once was (my new contend this season if they can stifle Father Time, but every year that will model considered him to be elite up until last season), especially at get more and more difficult. Right now they’re on the cusp, with a clear driving play on both sides of the puck. Since a resurgence in 2014-15 separation between them and the following eight teams. that coincided with the arrival of Barry Trotz behind the bench, his expected goals differential has dropped in five straight seasons from Division difficulty is also a big factor and should be plain to see in context 0.46-per-60 to 0.24, 0.18, 0.06 and then minus-0.14 last season – just with yesterday’s preview of the Calgary Flames. The Capitals are the second negative rate of his career. It’s mostly due to his defensive projected to finish with 0.7 more points but have a six percent lesser numbers ballooning as well and last year that finally caught up to him on chance of making the playoffs. The Capitals 70 percent chance is still the scoresheet. In the three years prior the Capitals only allowed 1.7 good, but not as it high as it would be in a less competitive division. goals-per-60 with Backstrom on the ice, 0.5 below his expected rate and The Capitals are a strong and balanced team from top-to-bottom and will a truly absurd mark that likely paints his perception as a two-way phenom likely be in the playoffs come April. Whether they’ll be legitimate when I’m not sure he deserves much credit for it. Last year that was 2.44 contenders is up in the air and depends on whether the team can once goals against on 2.52 expected goals against. It’s also worth noting that again be the exception to the rule when it comes to expected and actual his transitional stats slipped last season (as did Kuznetsov’s by the way). goals. What separates them from the league’s top eight teams isn’t their They were still strong, but not the elite rates we’ve come to expect from depth, it’s their top-end talent which appears to be a step below what such a gifted player with the puck. most elite teams will be trotting out, specifically at forward. One more thing with these guys and it involves the power play. After five That last sentence and the valuations attached to Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas straight seasons in the top five, the Capitals have fallen out to seventh Backstrom and especially Evgeny Kuznetsov might come as a surprise to and 12th place finishes the last two seasons and it’s due directly to a a lot of people, so let me explain. subtle decline with the top unit that’s gone largely unnoticed. Last year’s 5.1 points-per-60 with the man advantage was Backstrom’s lowest since Ovechkin is still the archer here, a bullseye artist like no other in league 2007-08, a continuation from the season prior’s 5.5 and a stark departure history who is coming off a 51-goal season at the age of 33. That’s from the eight he averaged in the previous five seasons before that. He’s mighty impressive and it’s why he’s right on the line between elite and the driving force of the power play and his drop led to one of Ovechkin’s first-line forward. Though another 50-goal season might be pushing it, lower career point rates. With both on the ice, the nine goals-per-60 the he’s still projected to put up 45 in 2019-20, while getting a lot of chances team scored with the man advantage was the lowest since 2010-11 and too. Even at his age, no one else is touching his goal-scoring prowess. the culmination of a steady seven-year decline (they’ve dropped in every Backstrom is one of the game’s most gifted play-makers, a cerebral mind season but one) from 11.5 goals-per-60 in the shortened 2012-13 with incredible vision and one of the league’s best power-play season. The Backstrom and Ovechkin duo may seem ageless, but the quarterbacks. And Kuznetsov is built in the same vein, an incredibly decline here with their biggest strength suggests otherwise. Without the power play clicking to the same lethal rate it once did and puck out took a hit leading to the worst expected goals against and actual with the troubles on defense, it’s hard to see the Capitals’ stars in the against numbers of his career while seeing a big decrease in his same light as their contemporaries, especially at Ovechkin’s and expected goals for rate too. He needs to be better and the hope is that Backstrom’s age. Jensen or Gudas can be improvements in that role over Niskanen who looked washed last season. The supporting cast around them is quite strong though and alleviates some of the heat off of the top guys. T.J. Oshie is worthy of being On the third pair, Jonas Siegenthaler has some upside, crushing it in a mentioned in the same breath as the three above him, but the narrative bottom-pairing role in his first season. The 22-year-old was by far the around him likely has him underrated relative to public perception, rather team’s expected goals leader at 58 percent, but he only dressed in 26 than potentially overrated. While there were some skeptics surrounding games. The potential is there for him to be more. his contract a couple of years ago, he’s lived up to the deal so far, playing at a 65-point pace last year. Since arriving in Washington he’s That leaves the top pair of John Carlson and Michal Kempny. Carlson is consistently been one of the team’s stronger play-drivers on both sides of the team’s de facto No. 1, a guy who plays in all situations and is the best the puck and has been part of a line that consistently translates that into offensive weapon on the blue line. Like the team’s offensive stars, he a strong goal differential with Backstrom. The two form a solid duo. struggles mightily defensively but mostly makes up for it with his offense. His individual expected goals rate is top five in the league and he grades Jakub Vrana joins them on the other side of the team’s second top line out as a borderline top 10 defensemen. He’s been undone by partners in and he’s a welcome addition to the top six as a play-driver himself. He the past, but Kempny seems to be the right fit for him, the missing piece was one of just four Capitals with a positive expected goals rate last year from the team’s Cup run. He was a thrifty find at the deadline and has and is very gifted with the puck giving that line three strong puck carrying decent puck skills. options. A minute boost could be good for him too as he has 50-point upside with the right usage. Last year his 2.33 points-per-60 ranked It’s not as overwhelmingly good as it used to be, but there’s no dead fourth on the team and ahead of both his linemates as he finished with 47 weight here and every pair can hold its own. They’ll be trusted with points. making life a little bit easier for Braden Holtby who hasn’t been the same goalie he once was over the last two years but hasn’t had as much help Even Wilson on the top line looks strong, capable of chipping 40-to-50 either. All those defensive issues mentioned above for a number of points himself with some edge. He’s weak defensively too which doesn’t players? It led to a .907 expected save percentage for Holtby last solve the current top-line problems but surprisingly isn’t a detriment on season, making his .911 look much better than at face value. He saved offense as he seemed to be for much of his early career. It’s a testament seven goals above expected last year which is solid, but the last two to the power of linemate quality when it comes to production as Wilson seasons still pale in comparison to his exceptional three-year run actually scored at a first-line rate last season at 5-on-5. He’s come into between 2014 and 2017 where he averaged 18 goals saved per season. his own as a power forward over the last few seasons and now grades His 2016-17 campaign was his strongest one (27 goals saved) and the out as second-line caliber. main reason he’s still regarded as elite by my model. The farther he moves away from that season, the less certain we can be that he’s still The bottom six is a bit more in flux as it deals with the key departures of that. Since then, he ranks 21st in goals saved sandwiched between Mike Brett Connolly and Andre Burakovsky, but the team looks to be in good Smith and Jacob Markstrom – hardly the best company among starting shape with the additions of Richard Panik, Garnet Hathaway and goalies. In a contract year, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him prove his Brendan Leipsic to replace them. With deadline acquisition Carl Hagelin worth in a big way. also in the mix, the team looks set at wing here and won’t need to resort to playing Chandler Stephenson more than they have to. At the end of the day, the Capitals are the Capitals. Current stats struggle to measure their ability to create chances because the team thrives off Panik is the gem of the group, a supremely underrated player who fits east-west movement. Expected goals don’t do them justice. While that perfectly in the middle six of most teams. His 53.5 percent expected may be true, there’s likely a limit to how much current data misses and goals rate was third on the Coyotes and he was nearly break-even by while Washington can be counted on to regularly outperform their goals – both impressive feats on such a weak team. His 1.73 points-per- expected numbers, it’s still fair to be skeptical that it can be to last year’s 60 was second, meaning he’s got some offensive upside which has the degree, especially on offense. potential to be realized more fully with the Capitals. As a team, the Capitals scored 0.6 more goals-per-60 than expected, tied Hagelin is the other player worth mentioning as he completely changed for the third-highest difference since 2007-08. One of those teams, the the makeup of the team’s third line when he arrived. He had an top team actually, was the 2009-10 Capitals and I don’t believe this astonishing 60 percent expected goals rate with the Capitals outscoring current iteration is on that team’s level. Over the three seasons prior, teams 14-6 with him on the ice. He’s always been a strong play-driver Washington scored 0.26 goals-per-60 above expected and it’s fair to thanks to his speed, but in Washington, he has unlocked some scoring suggest the team will be closer to that range. That’s an expected 22-goal potential producing 11 points in 20 games for the team. He took the third drop-off with all else being equal, worth about three-to-four wins – an line to new heights last year and if he can tap into that again, the Capitals almost identical difference between last year’s output and this year’s will have one of the league’s best third lines. Eller, the line’s center isn’t projection. the strongest scorer, but he was second in expected goals percentage behind Hagelin. The fourth line should be defensively sound behind The Capitals are a strong group loaded with talent, but even if you give them, though I doubt Nic Dowd scores as often as he did last season. them a lot of benefit of the doubt, the team still appears due to fall back down to earth a little and the age of the group is doing them no favors. The team’s defense looks like a point of strength this season after a Washington is poised to make some noise as it always does, but there’s much-needed re-working. Matt Niskanen wasn’t getting it done anymore still room for improvement. If they have goals of going deep at least one and the team was very savvy in not only cutting salary in dealing him for more time with the current core, they’ll need to tighten things up. Radko Gudas but arguably improving at the same time. Gudas hasn’t been tested in difficult minutes, but what he has shown in a third pair role Market Expectations has been quite strong. He has the rugged qualities that hockey men love and replaces that element of the retired Brooks Orpik’s game in a much Washington Capitals: 97.5 points more effective package than Orpik could offer. He’s a very strong Not far off at all as my model sits just 0.8 points under what the market defensive defenseman and has the numbers to back up that claim. expects for the Capitals. That’s a big improvement from last season The team acquired Nick Jensen at the trade deadline last year and he where it was considerably lower, but both are still lower than what the likely slides into the top four behind John Carlson. He was used as a average fan believes about this team. shutdown defender in Detroit and performed admirably there with strong What Fans Predict chance suppression numbers off the strength of his ability to defend his blue line. That allowed the Capitals to trust in his abilities enough to trade Public Sample: 1,337 for him and extend him, but his first 20 games with the Capitals weren’t Fan Sample: 76 the best as he got caved in to the tune of a 44 percent expected goals share. That he was paired predominantly with Orpik can’t be ignored As expected, the public and the team’s fans are considerably higher on here and the hope is he does better next to Dmitry Orlov. the Capitals putting them at and above 100 points for next season. Considering how often this team has pulled the feat off, it looks like a Orlov himself had a very tough season as his pair was the only one on safe bet. We’ll see come April if ignoring the numbers was prescient the Capitals to be outscored last year at 5-on-5. His ability to break the when it comes to predicting how the Capitals will far this season. It wouldn’t be at all surprising to see the team safely beat projections as it’s done since 2014-15.

What The Athletic Insider Thinks

Tarik El-Bashir: By the end of August, almost every Capital had reported to D.C. and was on the ice each morning at the team’s headquarters. Why did so many veterans voluntarily come to town so much earlier than usual? To put it simply, there’s a growing sense of urgency around this team, particularly for the 30 somethings.

Alex Ovechkin just turned 34. Braden Holtby and Nicklas Backstrom are in the last year of their contracts, and it’s going to be tough to keep them both.

And – if they’re honest with themselves – there’s not a whole lot of help in the pipeline. The championship window is indeed closing. And once it’s shut, it may be a while before it opens again.

It’s hard to find an obvious flaw on the roster as it stands now, but that doesn’t mean the season begins without question marks. In fact, there are plenty. Among them: Will the addition of Richard Panik, Garnet Hathaway and Brendan Leipsic boost the bottom six’s ability to defend as well as the penalty kill? Can the arrival of Radko Gudas and emergence of Jonas Siegenthaler settle the backend? Can Holtby rediscover his 2016-17 form or anything close to it?

Assuming those concerns do not morph into major problems, the Caps have the firepower to contend for a fifth straight Metro Division title.

Whether they’ll also put themselves in the mix for hockey’s biggest prize remains to be seen. This much, however, can’t be debated: the core group – as currently constructed, anyway – is running out of time to hoist a second Stanley Cup.

And everyone knows it.

The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153509 Winnipeg Jets The 21-year-old from Ufa, Russia, a sixth-round pick in 2016, is a major hit each time he gets in front of a microphone. His English is improving and his sense of humour has never been stronger.

McKenzie easing back into hockey Asked about his role as translator for new forward Andrei Chibisov, Berdin offered this: "I think he’s like me... he smile every time. I ask him every day, before game, ‘Hey, bro, don’t (be) nervous. Feel good. Enjoy your game.’ He say, ‘I don’t (bleeping) care. I’m not nervous. I’m ready to By: Jason Bell play.’ This guy awesome." Posted: 09/19/2019 10:39 PM | Last Modified: 09/19/2019 10:45 PM | Berdin, or "Birdman" to his teammates, split the 2018-19 season — his Updates | first as a pro — between the Jets’ two minor-league squads, the Moose and the Jacksonville Icemen of the ECHL. With the Moose, he was 12- 11-0 with a 2.34 goals-against average and .927 save percentage. Skyler McKenzie had a lot more fun a year ago at Winnipeg Jets training camp than he’s having now. The Jets will go with Connor Hellebuyck and Laurent Brossoit this season, while Comrie remains very much in the future plans. McKenzie stole some of the spotlight from the usual cast of stars, scoring three goals while suiting up in two NHL pre-season games last fall. But Berdin, who backed up Comrie in the first pre-season game against the he’s been relegated to the shadows at this camp, through no fault of his Oilers, might still appear in a pre-season game, Jets head coach Paul own. Maurice hinted.

The 21-year-old forward skated away from the crowd for several days but "Have you spent some time with him? Have you had a little bit of his finally shared the ice Thursday with a large group of Jets hopefuls, as his personality laid on you? He’s got a big smile on his face. He’s come an road back from surgery for an undisclosed lower-body injury continues. awfully long way and we’ll just say if he can stay on this trajectory, well, McKenzie donned a yellow no-contact jersey during drills at the morning we’ll have a real good goaltender that plays the puck better than half the skate at Bell MTS Iceplex, demonstrating in small doses that the dexterity guys in the league," Maurice said. he possesses to dart in and out of traffic is slowly returning. "He certainly loves coming to the rink and he loves playing, so the sky’s He won’t be ready to absorb any punishment in drills until Manitoba the limit, possibly. Goalies are different, but his personality is valuable. Moose training camp is well underway next week — at the earliest. His Having these kinds of people that we’ve brought in, and they’re starting sights are set on accompanying the American Hockey League squad on to emerge now with a little bit more enthusiasm for life, I like it and I like a season-opening swing through Texas the first weekend of October. having those guys around. You may see him get a few minutes (of playing time) here." "It’s been a slow process, for sure," McKenzie said. "The frustrating part is not being where I want to be at. Even throughout the summer, I wanted to do more. I wanted to start walking, I wanted to run, I wanted to be out Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 09.20.2019 on the ice. I had to set those goals. Now, I want to play contact hockey and I want to be in the lineup when the season starts, and that’s what I’m looking forward to now, hoping it’s sooner rather than later.

"Patience is a tough thing for me, and I’m my biggest critic in a lot of things. So, I’m frustrated to know I’m not where I want to be right now."

Missing the opportunity to suit up with the Jets in pre-season action is no minor annoyance for the 5-9, 170-pound product of Sherwood Park, Alta., who, Jets supporters might recall, made a fine impression in his first-ever NHL exhibition game.

Playing the visiting Edmonton Oilers a year ago, McKenzie dazzled with a two-goal effort in a 5-3 victory, with the first goal coming on a deflection from a Joe Morrow shot and the other on a great pass from C.J. Suess to finish off a two-on-one.

Four nights later, he scored in a 5-3 defeat to the New Jersey Devils at Bell MTS Place.

Those were heady days for the small but skilled seventh-round selection in the 2017 NHL entry draft, who joined the Moose for three playoff games in April 2018, scoring one goal. He went on to score eight goals and add eight assists in 47 games for the AHL club in his first pro campaign.

"Yeah, that was amazing," said McKenzie, who posted a pair of 40-goal seasons with the Portland Winterhawks to close out a his Western Hockey League career. "Getting in those (pre-season) games was something you don’t forget. Just being here has been unbelievable.

"I take huge pride in playing in Winnipeg. I have a lot of family in Winnipeg (on his father’s side), so they followed the Winnipeg Jets before they moved, and then they came back and I remember it was such an exciting time. So, to be part of it and play in front of family and friends is so huge for me and I’m so blessed to be here."

Goaltender Mikhail Berdin, expected to share the Moose net with Eric Comrie this season, says braving the blistering shots of Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler and Josh Morrissey at Jets camp is no big deal.

He’s done it many times before. Sort of, kind of... not really.

"I actually don’t feel like they shoot better than AHL guys," he said Thursday. "A couple years ago, I play on PlayStation (against) these guys. Now I practise with these guys." 1153510 Winnipeg Jets Bryan Little, who's played on a line with Ehlers the majority of his career in Winnipeg, could sense the Dane's frustration last season.

"I can totally see him sitting down and watching games all summer long Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers hopes studying his own game pays and studying it," said the 31-year-old centre. "He's definitely one of those off kids who's a student of the game and likes to learn, so that's pretty cool to hear.

"It shows how much he cares and wants to get better." By: Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press The Jets also need to be better after last season's stumbles that saw Posted: 09/19/2019 2:58 PM | Last Modified: 09/19/2019 3:21 PM them regress from 114 points and the conference final to 99 points and that disappointing first-round exit.

"The expectations were just very high," Ehlers said of 2018-19. "As Late at night this summer, after Nikolaj Ehlers had already skated, professionals, we're supposed to handle that, and I think we do know worked out, golfed and spent time with friends and family, he'd turn on how to do that. We don't know what happened last year. No one knows. his iPad. "I wish you could just figure it out, move on and fix it." The winger for the Winnipeg Jets wasn't binging the latest Netflix series or cruising social media. That will have to happen with a much different roster.

Instead, Ehlers rewatched every game he played last season. Workhorse defencemen Tyler Myers and Jacob Trouba are no longer in the Manitoba capital, restricted free agent wingers Patrik Laine and Kyle Every. Single. Shift. Connor remain without contracts, and imposing veteran blue-line force What the 23-year-old saw staring back at him weren't huge problems, but Dustin Byfuglien is away from the team on personal leave. minor issues that, when added up, could help explain why he produced a "I don't care what the expectations for us are this year," Ehlers said. career-low 37 points in 62 outings. "We've got to focus on our game, we've got to focus on us as a group." The son of a coach, Ehlers noticed his stick was sometimes in the wrong spot on the forecheck, his lack of patience with the puck, a need to shoot more and wayward defensive positioning. Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 09.20.2019 "There's a lot of small things," Ehlers said. "It's something that's hopefully going to help me."

The off-season is usually a time when players unwind. Ehlers was the opposite. The ninth pick at the 2014 NHL draft found it difficult to unplug from a frustrating campaign that included a 20-game absence with an upper-body injury.

Just six of his 21 goals came after returning on Feb. 22, and he failed to record a point in Winnipeg's six-game loss to the St. Louis Blues — the eventual Stanley Cup champions — in the first round of the playoffs.

All told, Ehlers has just seven assists in 21 career post-season appearances, including when the Jets made it all the way to the Western Conference final in the spring of 2018.

"I'd be lying if I said it didn't touch me at all," he said at the NHL/NHLPA media tour in Chicago earlier this month. "Not scoring in the playoffs sucks. There's no other word for it. It sucks ... but it's not like I get to the playoffs and I just shut myself down.

"I work as hard as I can to help this team win every single day."

It didn't help that last season was the first of a seven-year, US$42-million contract Ehlers signed in October 2017.

After a solid rookie campaign, he recorded 64 points (25 goals, 39 assists) and 60 points (29 goals, 31 assists) in 2016-17 and 2017-18 before last season's significant dip in production.

It's his hope a summer of studying will help him rebound.

"Most of these things, I'd say 90 per cent of them, are things that I've seen in my game more than once," Ehlers said. "If it's only in one out of the 62 I played last year, then I'm OK. But if it's something that I see more regularly then I remember it.

"I'll know what it is and I'll look for it the next game that I watch and see, 'OK, you're doing it again.'"

Jets head coach Paul Maurice said it's important for players of Ehlers' stature — he stands six feet and weighs 172 pounds — to figure out ways to be effective in all three zones, not just on offence.

"Each player has to be able to get combative and win battles and win pucks on the wall," Maurice said recently in Winnipeg. "For slightly-built young players, that's an awfully big challenge and there's a long learning curve.

"This guy's going to score, I don't know, 20 to 40 goals over the course of his year, I think really consistently for us. Where his minutes come up is durability and effectiveness away from the puck. And in order to do that, you've got to put the time in and I think he did." 1153511 Winnipeg Jets conversation we had was nice. It was nice to see how he's doing and talk about stuff other than what's going on with what the media's saying."

Jets head coach Paul Maurice said extending an olive branch was an Laine apologizes to Little for how comments to Finnish media were appropriate move by Laine. interpreted "I thought it was the right thing to do. When something like that comes out, whether it’s direct or in an indirect way and seems to disparage a teammate, you do the right thing and pick up the phone. And then those By: Jason Bell are the only two guys that have to answer to each other, they handle that," he said. Posted: 09/19/2019 5:34 PM | Comments: 10 | Last Modified: 09/19/2019 7:46 PM | Updates "I know Patty well enough that he's not someone that's going to purposely say negative things, especially about his teammates. And if it's

going to be negative, it's probably about himself. That's just the way he For much of Patrik Laine's time with the Winnipeg Jets, he's played on a is." forward line with Bryan Little — which, apparently, hasn't been the Little said the topic of negotiations didn't come up in their chat. talented Finn's preference. "I said, 'I'm not even going to ask you how it's going. I just hope I see you But recently, Laine got on the line from overseas to patch things up with soon.' And we talked about other stuff," he said. his usual centre. Laine's agent, Mike Liut, stated Wednesday a new deal isn't imminent. Speaking Thursday morning, Little said the restricted free agent — Meanwhile, there's been nary a whisper on the status of a deal for Kyle absent from the Jets training camp — cleared the air with him over Connor, another RFA not in camp. Both dynamic forwards are looking to comments the 2017 NHL rookie-of-the-year finalist made to Finnish cash in coming off their entry-level deals. media earlier this week that touched on not getting an opportunity to play on the Jets' top forward unit. Meanwhile, there's no news on the Dustin Byfuglien front. The veteran defenceman, a critical piece as the Central Division squad tries to keep "He texted me and asked me to call him, so I called him up. And we pace with its rivals, is still on a 'personal leave of absence' as reports chatted for a few minutes. He was saying sorry, and apologizing for just surface that he might be considering retirement. the way I think it was interpreted, which I kind of understood before I even talked to him," Little said Thursday. Indeed, as battles for jobs wage on at camp, the storylines away from the rink are of immense concern and Maurice has been in the line of fire "I know Patty well enough that he's not someone that's going to during daily meetinga with the media. purposely say negative things, especially about his teammates. And if it's going to be negative, it's probably about himself. That's just the way he Asked by the Free Press whether, in his 20-plus years as an NHL bench is." boss, he's had to address such a range of issues in training camp that have nothing to do with the on-ice product, Maurice went with a While Jets training camp is underway, Laine is working out with a pro wisecrack before getting to the heart of it. team in Bern, Switzerland as contract talks with the three-time 30-goal scorer seemingly go nowhere. "Yeah, you go look at my second year in Toronto (2007). That was a treat. My man, Jiri Tlusty, was doing the flash in front of the newspapers. Little said the show of contrition wasn't necessary but was appreciated. Somebody had sent some inappropriate pictures and that was the "I said, 'You don't have to apologize to me. I get it...' He wants to play easiest one I had." with the best players. That's the way he was saying it. Scheifs and Some nude selfies of Tlusty, a Maples Leafs' rookie a dozen years ago Wheels are our best players. I'd like to play with those guys, too. who would later play for Maurice in Winnipeg during the 2014-15 Everyone does." campaign, made the press and the Czech forward, his coach and the "I said, 'You don't have to apologize to me. I get it.' Sometimes those organization had some explaining to do. things are misunderstood, and I knew right away. He wants to play with "Oh, God bless it. That was a treat," added Maurice. the best players. That's the way he was saying it. Scheifs and Wheels are our best players. I'd like to play with those guys, too. Everyone does," But he insisted neither the contract squabbles nor Byfuglien's leave have said Little, set to begin his 13th NHL campaign. "When you're young, you sparked angst within the camp dressing rooms. want to score more goals, get more points and play with the best and get more ice time, stuff like that, so he was just voicing that. He just wants to "None of it has hit the ice or the locker room. I like our camp. I like the be one of our go-to guys." compete, how hard they’re working. A little slow (Thursday). We’re at seven days, which tells you they’re starting to drag hard here. But I’ve While the Jets are in training camp in Winnipeg, Laine is working out with liked our camp," he said. a pro team in Bern, Switzerland as contract talks with the three-time 30 goal scorer are stalled. "There’s been a lot of turbulence but we still have our belts on and everything’s good." While the Jets are in training camp in Winnipeg, Laine is working out with a pro team in Bern, Switzerland as contract talks with the three-time 30 goal scorer are stalled. Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 09.20.2019 Laine was interviewed by journalist Pekka Jalonen of the Finnish newspaper Iltalehti at the start of the week. In a translation provided by Jalonen, Laine is quoted as saying: "When you’re having contract negotiations, one thing always is who are you playing with. With the merits I have, somewhere else I’d have an opportunity to play with the best players. Everybody who understands hockey knows that.

"There are top lines and then there is our line. But I play with the guys I’m told to play."

Were Little's feelings bruised even slightly when he heard what came out?

"Not really. I know him well enough to know what he was trying to say and where he was coming from. The fact that he texted me just confirmed what kind of guy he is," said Little, who had 15 goals and 41 points playing all 82 regular-season games last season. "That short 1153512 Winnipeg Jets The Finn also showed an ability to escape potential hits, a la former Jet Toby Enstrom.

“I like that when guys are trying to hit me,” he said. “Usually they can’t. You think Jets are high drama? Maurice says try Toronto But sometimes they do. I like that when they try.

“That’s my thing. I’m pretty good in that. It’s sometimes fun, and sometimes not when they hit you. Then it’s not fun.” Paul Friesen Maurice says Niku has come miles from where he was in his NHL debut, September 19, 2019 8:41 PM CDT even if he still creates the occasional adventure.

“He’s starting to figure out at his size, how to handle the heavy traffic,” Maurice said. “He had the turnover at the start of the third period that we Two marquee forwards are without contracts, one lobbed a grenade from ended up spending 44 seconds in our end and I’m not worried about overseas, a star defenceman contemplating his future — it has been those because those are just fixable. But the evasions, his ability under quite a first week of training camp for the Winnipeg Jets. heavy traffic to pull the puck off the wall, stop and go the other way and The man guiding Flight 2019 down the runway in preparation for takeoff out — those guys are hard to find.” shrugs it off, saying he’s been through worse. Maurice hinted Russian netminder Mikhail Berdin just might get part of a “Yeah, you go look at my second year in Toronto,” head coach Paul game in the pre-season, and the flamboyant 21-year-old is champing at Maurice was saying, Thursday. “That was a treat. My man Jiri Tlusty was the bit for it. doing the flash on the front of the newspapers. Somebody had sent some Known for his puck-handling, Berdin says he left that aspect to others inappropriate pictures. And that was the easiest one I had. and concentrated on his forte over the summer. “Oh, god bless it, that was a treat.” “This summer I didn’t focus on puck handles,” he said. “I can’t play, you The media spotlight may be even more intense in Toronto, but the Jets know? I work more goalie stuff. I feel really good.” have stolen it over the first week of NHL camps. Expected to share the load on the farm with Eric Comrie, Berdin says The continuing contractual stare-downs with Patrik Laine and Kyle facing NHL shooters in camp is no big deal. Connor were sure to be distractions going in. “I actually don’t feel like they shoot better than AHL guys,” he said. “ What nobody saw coming were Laine’s comments questioning his place Every goalie say, ‘Oh, it’s a different shot. It’s harder.’ But I don’t know. in the lineup, or defenceman Dustin Byfuglien asking for a personal “A couple years ago I play on PlayStation for these guys… now I practise leave, reportedly to consider retirement. with these guys. I’m excited.” Given the previous defections along the Winnipeg blue line — Jacob

Trouba getting the trade he wanted, Tyler Myers and Ben Chiarot bolting out the free-agent door — the latter development is potentially the most Winnipeg Sun LOADED 09.20.2019 crippling, especially long-term.

“None of it has hit the ice or the locker room,” Maurice said. “I like our camp. I like the compete, how hard they’re working. A little slow (Thursday). We’re at seven days, which tells you they’re starting to drag hard here. The guys may have had a little bit of fun with it but the new guys that we brought in are right there, a part of our group.

“So there’s been a lot of turbulence but we still have our belts on and everything’s good.”

Among the players pressing for bigger roles this season, defencemen Tucker Poolman and Sami Niku stood out in the Jets’ second pre-season game, Wednesday.

Poolman not only played a solid game, but also stuck up for his teammates by dropping the gloves with Minnesota tough guy Mike Liambas, who’d been throwing his weight around.

“Everybody loves Tucker Poolman a little bit more in that room today, and that matters,” Maurice said. “We don’t have to avenge every clean hit but that guy got settled a little bit just knowing that we would. We didn’t have a lot of muscle in our lineup and Tucker was willing and the bench was up and jumping and that was pretty good.

“Tucker Poolman, he’s stepped a little closer to that locker room.”

For his trouble, Poolman sported a cut on the bridge of his nose the morning after.

“A couple of their guys were playing hard and things boiled over,” he said. “And it just kind of happens.”

Poolman is hoping to bounce back from an injury-shortened season that limited him to 43 games with the AHL last season.

As for Niku, he showed his agility and passing ability on Wednesday against the Wild, fuelling the notion he may be ready for a bigger piece of the pie after suiting up for 30 games with the Jets a year ago.

“I felt pretty good, actually,” Niku said. “The first game is always hard. But I moved pretty well. And my defensive game was pretty good. So I was happy.”

Niku collected two early assists, which didn’t hurt his confidence. 1153513 Winnipeg Jets With Little’s line, Laine and Nik Ehlers often get the glory, while the centre does the dirty work, in first on the forecheck and back deepest on the backcheck.

Jets' Laine says sorry “The other kids are gifted,” Maurice said. “They do a lot of really good things and they score goals and we cheer them and then Brian just comes back to the bench and puts his lungs back in his body and goes back and does it again.” Paul Friesen Maurice had downplayed Laine’s comments when they first surfaced. But September 19, 2019 4:50 PM CDT he was glad to see the two hug it out over the phone.

“I thought it was the right thing to do,” the coach said. “When something Winnipeg Jets star Patrik Laine has reached out across the Atlantic to tell like that comes out, whether it’s direct or in an indirect way and seems to teammate Bryan Little he was sorry for making waves. disparage a teammate, you do the right thing and pick up the phone.”

Laine contacted Little shortly after the unsigned star goal scorer’s As for the contract impasse between Laine and the Jets, and whether or comments about his linemates created a stir from Finland to the western not Laine sounded frustrated with the lack of progress, Little said he edge of Winnipeg earlier this week. didn’t even ask about it.

Little says he didn’t need an apology, but appreciated getting one “I said, ‘I’m not even going to ask you how it’s going. I just hope I see you anyway. soon.’”

“He texted me and asked me to call him, so I called him up,” Little said at They may have to get reacquainted as linemates, after all. Jets training camp, Thursday. “And we chatted for a few minutes. He was Because the real bro hugs start in two weeks. saying sorry, and apologizing for just the way I think it was interpreted. Which I kind of understood before I even talked to him.

“I know Patty well enough that he’s not someone that’s going to Winnipeg Sun LOADED 09.20.2019 purposely say negative things, especially about his teammates. And if it’s going to be negative, it’s probably about himself. That’s just the way he is.”

Laine, a restricted free agent locked in a contract stalemate with the Jets, made comments to a Finnish newspaper that didn’t reflect well on Little, his centre much of the last two seasons.

“When you’re having contract negotiations, one thing always is who are you playing with,” Laine told the newspaper Iltalehti. “With the merits I have, somewhere else I’d have an opportunity to play with the best players. Everybody who understands hockey knows that.

“There are top lines and then there is our line. But I play with the guys I’m told to play.”

The comments come across as self-centred.

In the buttoned-down and overly cautious world of the NHL, where most players and coaches are afraid to say anything to offend an opponent, much less a teammate, they gave the impression of a Jets house on fire.

Little, 31, says he told Laine he didn’t have to apologize.

“Sometimes those things are misunderstood, and I knew right away,” Little said. “He wants to play with the best players. That’s the way he was saying it. Scheifs and Wheels are our best players. I’d like to play with those guys, too. Everyone does. When you’re young you want to score more goals, get more points and play with the best and get more ice time, stuff like that. So he was just voicing that. He just wants to be one of our go-to guys.

“The fact that he texted me just confirmed what kind of guy he is.”

Mark Scheifele is the Jets No. 1 centre, with Blake Wheeler and Kyle Connor on his wings.

It’s understandable many players want to play with Scheifele and/or Wheeler. The clash over bigger roles is one of the issues that bogged the Jets down last season, and the last thing they need rearing its head to open this one.

In Little, at least, they don’t have to worry.

If there’s an ego under that ball cap, it’s hard to find.

“We’ve got these three brilliant, young players and he’s been afforded the opportunity to play with two of them the last two years,” head coach Paul Maurice said. “So there’s a challenge that comes with that when you go from being the No.1 centreman on a team, playing with two veteran guys… Bryan’s been tasked with that.

“The running joke in the coach’s office is I’ve gotta start sending someone out to start my car on a few of those nights because Bryan’s gotta one day get a little sour at me.” 1153514 Winnipeg Jets The Jets still haven’t re-signed wingers Patrick Laine or Kyle Connor and certainly, they’re in a more precarious cap situation than Colorado. I think Connor is the first to sign and then we’ll see what happens with Laine, who has always seemed destined for a bridge deal but so far finding the LeBrun: Why it’s a good time to be shopping for a D-man and why right AAV for that shorter deal has been elusive. Thomas Chabot extension will be a steal for Sens While in Tampa, in his first true test as Lightning GM, Julien BriseBois seems to be holding pretty firm with unsigned RFA center Brayden Point. A source told me on Thursday morning that the two sides remain far By Pierre LeBrun apart. Ditto on the Matthew Tkachuk front, which was status quo as of Sep 19, 2019 Wednesday.

Chabot deal will be a steal

For a league where one of the main complaints over the years has been No doubt there will be some GMs complaining that yet another player hits the lack of available defensemen on the trade market, it’s actually a it big coming of entry-level, but my humble opinion is that the Ottawa decent time to go shopping. Senators will look really good when all is said and done on the $64- million, eight-year contract extension with Thomas Chabot. It’s widely known that Justin Faulk is available in Carolina — a potential trade with Anaheim falling through recently — and that the Sabres are Look no further than what the likes of Matt Duchene and Mathew Barzal listening to offers on Rasmus Ristolainen, a player seemingly open to a told our Athletic crew at the Player Tour in Chicago a few weeks ago change of scenery. when asked about Chabot, both saying they believe he would be in Norris Trophy consideration one day. But don’t forget the Columbus Blue Jackets in all this. They’re 10-11 deep in NHL blueliners and outside of Seth Jones and Zach Werenski, If that’s the case, an $8-million AAV will be a bargain when Norris Trophy who aren’t going anywhere, it’s anyone’s guess on the remaining lot. types are worth well north of that. There’s Ryan Murray, David Savard, Markus Nutivaara, Scott Harrington, Of course, long-term deals signed at this stage of a player’s career are Dean Kukan, Adam Clendening, Vladislav Gavrikov, Gabriel Carlsson always a gamble. That’s a lot of money for a 22-year-old. But I think it’s a and the sense is Andrew Peeke isn’t that far off from making the jump. smart gamble nonetheless. Good job here by GM Pierre Dorion. One of those D could certainly move within the next few weeks. Of that lot, I would think the veterans Murray and Savard would interest most And furthermore, for a franchise that parted ways with Erik Karlsson and depending on a team’s need on the left (Murray) or right (Savard) side. Mark Stone while they were still in their prime — the Stone divorce still really stings the franchise — being able to get this done with Chabot One source suggested Thursday that the Florida Panthers covet a almost a year before his entry-level deal expires, and avoid the kind of shutdown, left-side D. It doesn’t sound like something that has any RFA standoffs we are seeing around the NHL, that also carries weight for urgency to it but it is an organizational wish list item for this season. The a franchise that has taken its share of hits. Panthers have the smooth-skating Keith Yandle and Mike Matheson on the left side but would like to also add a more stay-at-home, shutdown Not that Chabot hasn’t done well here, either. The $64 million negotiated type on the left. by his agents Ian Pulver and Dominic DeBlois is the highest total amount ever given to a defenceman coming out of their entry-level contract. It’s The Winnipeg Jets are a team to watch, already dramatically depleted on lots of money for a player his age. I just think he will quickly outplay that the blueline by the offseason losses of Jacob Trouba, Tyler Myers and deal because he’s that good. Ben Chiarot and now the news, first reported by my TSN colleague Bob McKenzie, that Dustin Byfuglien is taking time to reflect on his playing future (wish that guy all the best, one of my favorite players to watch and deal with over the years). The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019

As I tweeted in the aftermath of that, it would make sense that the Jets would be monitoring the Faulk and Ristolainen situations as a fallback in case Byfuglien retires, but there’s also Columbus’ blueline depth that the Jets could reach into if they saw fit.

The Ducks, meanwhile, have also checked in on Ristolainen, according to sources. But the price from the Sabres was high. And it probably should be, given that Ristolainen has three more years at a very good cap hit, $5.4 million. The Sabres aren’t going to give the guy away. I would think within two to three weeks of the regular season getting underway, we should have a good idea of how the Ristolainen situation plays out.

Speaking of the Jackets …

Colleague Aaron Portzline reminded us earlier this week that Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen has lots of cap space and is believed to be closely monitoring the RFA situation.

Some wonder if Kekalainen would be tempted to offer sheet his countryman Mikko Rantanen but I highly doubt he would. Hey, I’ve been wrong many times, but I think the Jackets GM would look at the massive cap space in Colorado and see that as a losing proposition, the Avs would match in a heartbeat.

Colorado made a long-term offer to Rantanen’s camp earlier this month but since then, not a whole lot of movement. The Avs aren’t going to pay Mitch Marner money even if agent Mike Liut can make a decent argument that his client Rantanen deserves to be in that conversation.

But offer sheeting Colorado makes zero sense. There’s a reason the Avs kept their cap space open this offseason. This was it.

If you’re going to prey on a cap-challenged team, it’s Tampa Bay, Calgary or Winnipeg. 1153515 Winnipeg Jets If it was that simple, the Jets wouldn’t be supporting him, they’d be suspending him.

Since Byfuglien departed the arena after his exit meeting without As Dustin Byfuglien contemplates future, supportive Jets carry on in speaking to members of the media back in April, it’s impossible to know earnest how he felt about last season and he hasn’t done any interviews since, which isn’t all that unusual in itself.

Despite being one of the most popular players in franchise history since By Ken Wiebe the Jets relocated from Atlanta in the summer of 2011, Byfuglien has rarely shown his personality when interacting with reporters. Sep 19, 2019 And that’s by design since Byfuglien prefers staying out of the spotlight

whenever he can. Dustin Byfuglien isn’t sure if he wants to keep playing hockey, even if he Still, it was impossible to be around the Jets during the past several has $14 million worth of reasons to do so. years and not notice the unbridled joy Byfuglien exudes both on and off Given how much love he’s shown for the sport over the years, that the ice. should tell you all you need to know about how difficult a decision this His goal celebrations were spontaneous and fun and his highlight reel must be for the towering Winnipeg Jets defenceman. was filled with impressive goals and bone-crunching body checks. Ever since the Jets announced in a press release that Byfuglien had Despite his imposing stature and intimidating nature, he usually did it all asked for and was given a personal leave of absence last week, with a big smile on his face. speculation has been running rampant about what the reason for that There’s no doubt there’s a different feeling around the Jets when leave could be. Byfuglien isn’t at the rink, even if the players have done their collective The theories were plentiful, with most of them unfounded. best to put on a brave face.

On Wednesday morning, TSN Insider Bob McKenzie put a jolt through “I miss seeing him every day at the rink. He keeps it light. He keeps it the hockey world with his tweet that Byfuglien was believed to be fun. Whether it’s yelling at guys on our team or the other team,” Jets contemplating his future. defenceman Josh Morrissey said. “Everyone knows what type of player he is, what he means to our team. We’d love to have him, obviously. But Given that the Jets had publicly said that Byfuglien wasn’t dealing with a at the same time, I totally respect what he’s got to do. It’s a really private health issue and neither was his family, one of the theories being tossed matter.” around was that he could be at least considering retirement. Byfuglien took Morrissey under his wing in training camp before his first But given Byfuglien’s private nature, it wasn’t that big a surprise that full NHL season in 2016-17, insisting to Jets head coach Paul Maurice nobody was able to fully connect the dots – until McKenzie was able to. that he wanted the youngster as his defence partner during training camp. Sure, there had been a few hints but those things in a vacuum were not enough for confirmation. That created a special bond between Morrissey and Byfuglien.

That Byfuglien had not participated in the Da Beauty League, a “The one thing is he has a huge heart, he’s a great person. He really Minnesota-based organized summer hockey program, as he had the past wants to help out his teammates,” Morrissey said. “Again, when you’re several seasons seemed a bit unusual – but less so given he was coming in and you have a guy who’s won a Stanley Cup and had been in coming off a season where he missed 40 games due to a concussion the league I don’t know how long it was at that point and had already and a pair of ankle injuries. been a top player for a long time, to kind of say, ‘Hey, I want to play with you, I want to help you get acclimatized getting into the league and feel Because of the nature of those injuries, it was easy to make a case for comfortable,’ it means the world. why Byfuglien might consider skipping the shinny sessions. “It’s immediately a weight off your shoulders as a young player, and it A more telling hint came early last week, when Byfuglien was speaks volumes to him and the kind of person he is. He really helped me participating in an informal skate with many of his Jets teammates. feel relaxed and calm, coming in.” Byfuglien didn’t seem to be his normally playful self during the session, The Jets players who spoke to reporters on Wednesday made it especially the scrimmage. abundantly clear they’re supporting Byfuglien in any way that they can. There wasn’t the charismatic banter or chirping going, he wasn’t slashing “I think everything that’s been said already is spot on. All we can say is sticks out of the hands of the guys on the other side and he wasn’t nearly we’re here for him,” Jets captain Blake Wheeler said after a 4-1 win over as active when it came to joining the rush and getting involved offensively the Minnesota Wild in the second game of the preseason. “He knows as is usually the case with Byfuglien. that. We’ve all reached out to him. So we’re going to respect his privacy.” When Byfuglien is on the ice, he’s almost impossible not to notice. Maurice wasn’t about to be drawn into a discussion about hypotheticals On that day, his presence and demeanour were definitely subdued. or contingency plans, though he understands why questions about the guy who led the Jets in average time on ice last season (24:22) are being Almost everybody has a bad day once in a while, so it wasn’t worth put forth. making a big deal over at the time. There simply isn’t another player in the NHL that combines the skill and Yet when you consider those two situations together and couple that with strength elements of the game with the same type of flair Byfuglien the mysterious timing for the leave of absence, the situation starts exhibits. coming into focus. “We know that when you have a player ask for some time and privacy The most logical conclusion to draw is that Byfuglien simply isn’t sure if that is paramount in all this. You just open up to all the speculation. I he’s got the passion to put himself through the grind of a full season, at understand that,” Maurice said, noting the lines of communication with least not at the present time. Byfuglien have been and remain open. “Our options are to be completely Never mind the physical toll of working his way back from the three forthcoming and then open up the question-and-answer period or to do injuries – including the concussion that was the result of a crushing what is almost always done and explain that it’s a private matter. So I get collision with Pittsburgh Penguins blueliner Jamie Oleksiak – it’s not hard it, that if you’re going to ask the 20 different permutations of what would to understand how difficult last season could have been mentally for cause a player to ask for the leave but again, privacy is paramount so I Byfuglien. won’t comment on any speculation.”

I don’t believe for a second that Byfuglien asked for the leave because he The Jets do have some experience in having to play without Byfuglien wanted to skip training camp and not take part in any preseason action. during the past several seasons, so all they can do is soldier on until there is a resolution. “It all falls under that blanket you learn and are forced to learn over the course of every year – you have players missing. You just do,” Maurice said. “This was kind of mentally dealt with a week ago at the start of camp and now I’ve still got 46 guys in camp and Dustin missed half the hockey season for us last year so specific to him, we’re used to not having him in the lineup.

“It’s a whole lot different than when somebody gets the flu and you have to go to the line. The next guy gets a chance to play in the NHL probably a little more than he was getting the day before. So as much as you miss the guy out, and when your top end is missing, over time it’s difficult to survive without those guys, you just keep in your mind that the guy coming in is all jacked about his chance. Your always aware there’s a threshold with that. It’s more about the guys in the lineup, the belief you can win is critical on any given night but if you’re talking about two or three guys going down, the guys coming in, (their) enthusiasm for that opportunity far outweighs the fear that you may not be strong enough to win on any given night.”

Ben Hankinson, agent for Byfuglien, returned a text message on Wednesday morning but politely declined comment.

As for the immediate future, it’s impossible to predict what Byfuglien is going to decide to do.

At this stage, he’s probably not even sure himself.

What we do know is that the Jets are going to give him all the time that he needs to make that decision, even if that stretches into the regular season.

Byfuglien needs to do what is best for him and his family and the rest can be sorted out later.

The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153516 Vancouver Canucks his admission at training camp in Victoria that he was caught off-guard with the difficulty of the 2018 camp in Whistler certainly wouldn’t endear him to the coaching staff.

Canucks shake pre-season rust, then easily dust off Oiler wannabes 6-1 Coming clean and doing the work to make sure that didn’t occur this year is one thing, not being ready at any time as an NHL veteran is something that sticks in the memory banks. The easiest way to erase the bad memory is to do good things. BEN KUZMA “Sometimes, you learn hard lessons,” said Green. “I want all our guys to September 19, 2019 10:54 PM PDT do well and we’ve got some hard decisions.”

To his credit, Schaller showed some flashes Thursday. He got ample EDMONTON — Pre-season preaching is an admirable pursuit. work on an effective penalty kill and outraced a defender to speed away on a 2-on-1 rush and fed a sweet backhand, cross-ice feed to the tape of No matter what you say about picking up the pace to create a sense of Jay Beagle to make it 2-1. urgency, there’s something ingrained in players who are NHL roster locks to methodically move the effort needle toward the regular-season opener. “I worked hard in the summer to get chances like that (Beagle goal) and help produce and it felt really good,” said Schaller. “We did a really good You wants hits? Wait until October. You want ferocious forechecking? job killing penalties tonight and that’s a part of my game where I really Flip the calendar. want to contribute every night. I definitely felt more prepared this year and I knew what Greener was going to throw at us and I prepared wisely Even though Travis Green constantly stresses what any coach covets to and I think I’m doing well at camp and I’m happy where I’m at. It can get these games to another level of consistent competition for a better always get better, but I’m definitely a step ahead of where I was last read on position battles, it seldom occurs. Or, it takes at least a period to year.” shake off the rust like it did here Thursday night. Said Green of the Schaller-Beagle-Motte alignment: “That line was really “I thought it was a good road game,” said the Canucks coach. “We got good and really set the tone tonight and they just played the game really our legs under us after the first period and played pretty good the last two hard. They’re good together. They know where their bread is buttered for sure. I liked how we stuck with it.” and they’re not afraid to work. Probably our best line tonight. The line just There was enough of a veteran presence against a pack of Oiler works and Schaller looks quicker than a year ago.” wannabes to suggest that should be the case from symmetry and scoring You’d think hearing that might put Schaller a little more at ease. perspectives. And to their credit, the Canucks eventually woke up and all that faith and hope finally came to fruition. “It’s a funny situation,” he said. “You know it (camp cuts) is there but you don’t want to think about it all the time. My theory is give it 100 per cent There was the history of playing with Horvat, the anticipation of allowing every time I touch the ice and make it a hard decision for them and his linemates to do the digging and the hope that he can find his whatever happens, happens.” offensive mojo without worrying about absorbing heavy hits and the fear of more concussion-like symptoms. Beagle bags one, Gaudette takes step

Baertschi missed 30 games last season with his fifth career concussion It says something when a 33-year-old centre was the most-noticeable and another 23 with concussion-related symptoms. And while the winger Canuck before the club found a collective pulse. Part of that was his early didn’t want self-doubt to creep in, the sight of him blazing down the left involvement on the penalty kill that went a perfect 4-for-4. Part of it was side in the second period Thursday and then getting to the net to deposit his strong presence in the faceoff circle and part of it was just being a a laser-like power-play pass from Horvat was beyond satisfying. The consummate pro. smile said it all. And for Beagle, who managed only three goals in 57 games last season “A great pass by Bo and I sort of saw it coming and tried to sneak back in a fourth-line role, his first-period goal Thursday was just reward for door and it was a hard pass right on my tape,” said Baertschi, who had helping to wake up his club. two shots and three hits. “I’ve been feeling great all camp and just tried to get the rust off early and thought tonight I was skating well and had my “He (Schaller) made a nice play and threaded it through the defenceman feet going all night and tried to get physical out there a bit.” and left me wide open with the goalie,” said Beagle, who also won 62 per cent of his draws. “I wasn’t happy with last season and I want to score Amid any understandable Baertschi concern, there’s certainly no reason 10-plus goals, so it was good to score early and get some confidence. for worry when it comes to Horvat. After the Baertschi feed, he snapped And it was good for us to have six guys score and for us to find our legs home an unassisted effort in the third period to make it 5-1. The centre in the second and play the right style. That’s a good win. You don’t want looks like he’s in midseason form. to lose and we have to keep the momentum going.”

“Bo is such a complete player,” said Baertschi. “He’s got the speed and At the other end of the spectrum, Eriksson had an assist but didn’t the skill and playmaking ability and he’s strong. And he never seems to muster a single shot despite getting a second-unit power-play look and struggle coming out of the gate — he gets going right away. It was being on a line with and Josh Leivo. Gaudette gave it the exciting for me to get that feeling back in playing with him.” fist-pump after his drag-and-snap effort to make it 6-1 late in the third.

In a perfect world, the Canucks want Baertschi to be put in a position to be effective and not exposed. A third-line deployment might make the most sense to get away from top defensive pairings because he can’t be Vancouver Province: LOADED: 09.20.2019 a perimeter player. He has to play in traffic and not have his head on a swivel. That wasn’t a problem Thursday.

“I’m starting to make my reads,” added Baertschi. “That’s why there’s preseason. You’re trying to get a feel for each other once again and especially on the power play. It doesn’t click right off the hop — and get used to each other again.”

With a glut of wingers and somebody destined to be demoted to Utica to help get the Canucks salary-cap compliant, the leading candidate is probably Tim Schaller. There’s a fourth-line redundancy when you factor in Tyler Motte, where to play Jake Virtanen and what to do with Loui Eriksson.

Schaller proved to be a massive disappointment last season with zero penalty kill impact, just 10 points (3-7) in only 47 games in 10:40 of average ice time and a frequent scratch from December to March. And 1153517 Vancouver Canucks Michael DiPietro and Jonah Gadjovich to the Utica Comets, while the Oilers assigned goaltender Stuart Skinner to the Bakersfield Condors Free agent signing and veteran goaltender Mike Smith, who played for the Calgary Flames last season, has yet to participate in Oilers camp or Horvat leads Canucks past Oilers 6-1 in pre-season tilt play a pre-season game in net due to an illness.

Staff Report Globe And Mail LOADED: 09.20.2019 THE GLOBE AND MAIL

PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 20, 2019

UPDATED 6 HOURS AGO

Sven Baertschi looks like he has fully recovered from concussion issues that kept him to just 26 games with the Vancouver Canucks last season.

Bo Horvat had a goal and set up a Baertschi goal as the Canucks came away with a 6-1 pre-season victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday.

“I’ve been feeling great all camp,” Baertschi said. “I thought I was skating well all night and had my feet going. I’m starting to make my reads out there and understanding what is happening.”

The 26-year-old from Switzerland thinks playing with Horvat certainly helps.

“He is such a complete player,” Baertschi said. “He’s got the speed, he’s got the skill. He’s got the play-making abilities. He is very strong.”

Brogan Rafferty, Jay Beagle, Lukas Jasek and Adam Gaudette also scored for the Canucks who improved to 3-1 in exhibition action.

Jacob Markstrom went the distance in the Vancouver net, making 26 saves.

“I felt pretty good,” said Markstrom. “It’s fun to be out there playing a real game. It’s fun. This is what we grind all summer for. The guys made it easy for me, we played a pretty good road game.”

Cooper Marody responded for the Oilers, who are 1-2.

“You learn a lot about people in games like that,” said Oilers head coach Dave Tippett. “Tonight was a big evaluation game for a lot of guys. We’ll see where it washes out.

“If you want to make the NHL, there are no excuses.”

Rafferty opened scoring for Vancouver four minutes into the opening period when he teed up a blast from the point that blew past Oilers goalie Mikko Koskinen.

Edmonton responded a couple of minutes later as Marody backhanded in a puck that was lying in the crease, surprising Markstrom, who thought he had it under his pads.

A giveaway at Vancouver’s blue-line led to Beagle beating Koskinen high and to the glove side as the Canucks regained the lead with 86 seconds left in the first period.

Vancouver went up 3-1 on the power play 12 minutes into the second period as Horvat made a terrific pass through the seam to give Baertschi an easy redirect into the net.

Jasek’s wrist shot from the top of the right circle came on a power play nearly four minutes later.

Shane Starrett replaced Koskinen in the Edmonton net to start the third and was beat early on as Horvat scored on a breakaway.

Gaudette was left alone in front of the net with four minutes remaining to record the Canucks’ sixth goal.

The Oilers remain home to host the Calgary Flames on Friday, while the Canucks head to Salt Lake City to face the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday.

NOTES

Vancouver won the previous pre-season meeting between the two teams 4-2 on Tuesday The Oilers and Canucks open up the regular season against each other in Edmonton on Oct. 2 Both teams made slight trims to their training camp rosters as Vancouver sent Vincent Arseneau, 1153518 Vancouver Canucks stone really for anyone right now. Whatever looks the best come Game 1 (of the regular season) is what we’ll go with.”

The top defensive pairing for the game was Troy Stecher and Jordie Canucks preseason: Sven Baertschi’s ‘audition,’ Bo Horvat dominates Benn, which was another pairing people thought we might see to start and the King of Bros. the season, with the two local boys locking down the 5 and 6 spot on the defense. When asked about this being a potential look at a regular- season pairing, Green said before the game that he was testing out possible combinations. By Wyatt Arndt “I think for defensive pairing I’ve tried to kind of put pairings together right Sep 19, 2019 from the start that we could possibly go with,” Green said. “We’ve got really three new [d-men] on the back end, and (Christopher Tanev) wasn’t there a lot last year, so four, almost five guys that are brand new The first couple of NHL preseason games are always like the first 10 to the team. I wanted to get those guys some pairings going early and minutes of playing Monopoly with your family. It’s a lighthearted affair see how it looked.” with everyone laughing and not taking anything too seriously, a far cry from the end of the game when you’re demanding a neutral third party be It has become almost an annual tradition for Stecher to start the season brought in to be the banker because you’re pretty sure Grandma’s been in the five/six spot only to end up in the top four to end the season, so it stealing money all game. will be interesting to see if history repeats itself this year, or if Stecher and Benn become a staple of the bottom pairing. Which is why nobody should get too excited about a 6-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers, who dressed a first line of Nygard, McLeod (not Cody), King of Bros. and James Neal, with Draisaitl and McDavid sitting out this one in what Brogan Rafferty (if they ever bring back individual player goal songs, they might be an act of mercy. The Oilers gave away the puck like they were better go with this for him) continued to impress, as he had a strong EA Sports handing out free copies of “NHL 20,” as the Canucks breezed game, especially in the first period, when the Oilers weren’t fully dead through the game without breaking much of a sweat. inside from the impending loss. Again, it’s preseason (pretend I say that That being said, it’s better for a team to win in dominant fashion in the before every sentence for the rest of this article) but he had a game that preseason and have to remind people not to get too excited than to lose made you want to see him play more games before the season starts. horribly and have to remind people to not get too sad. And if you’re Aside from the goal, he also had a heads-up pass when he joined the someone who fantasy booked Bo Horvat playing with Sven Baertschi and rush early in the first period. JT Miller all offseason, then Thursday you were a pretty happy camper. Rafferty also had a couple of solid plays in the neutral zone to shut down “It is an audition, to be honest. Every game is. Not just for Sven some zone entries, to go along with the offensive output. File Rafferty on Baertschi, but for every player. We’ve got hard decisions to make at the top of the “young kids to watch” pile for the rest of the preseason. end of camp.” Also fun fact on Rafferty’s goal: John Garrett had to be convinced it was Those were the words of Travis Green this morning as he discussed Miller who won the draw, as he’s so used to Horvat taking like 87 percent Baertschi’s position on the roster. And it’s true, with the Canucks having of all Canucks faceoffs. It’s a small sign of the versatility Miller can bring more moving parts than in past seasons, there aren’t many spots that are to a line playing with Horvat. locked in on this team. So for someone such as Baertschi, who has It’s not a deadly combination you expected to see in this game, but if shown he can play with Horvat in the past and produce on the top two “The Lord of the Rings” taught us anything it’s not to underestimate lines, he has to prove he can still play at that level. anyone. For all we know Bilbo Baggins could score the Stanley Cup “We all know what Bartsch is. He has to get his game back on track to winner next year (with the assist from Gollum). where he was. Hopefully, he does that,” Green said a moment later. That being said, for two players in the scope of advanced stats fans, And Baertschi’s audition Thursday went pretty well, as he showed he Beagle and Schaller are probably going to be happy getting off to a good might have put last season’s injuries behind him. Showcasing a Walter start in the preseason. For a team right up against the salary cap, and White and Jesse Pinkman-like chemistry, Horvat and Baertschi produced with two players making decent coin for their position, they’re going to in the blue ice to effectively put away the game. And it wasn’t just the have to produce more of this magic to keep the naysayers at bay. goal for Sven, it was also how he played. He battled hard for the puck If Loui Eriksson second assists are your thing, he had you covered and didn’t shy away from body contact, which was the concern for Thursday as the Canucks continued to beat down the Oilers, who were someone returning from head injuries. Will they still be able to play an giving up space on the ice like nobodies business. Again, full credit to the effective style in a hard-hitting NHL? Canucks for going out there and dominating, but at times you just felt “I’ve been feeling great all camp, I was trying to get the rust off early on. I kind of bad for the Oilers as this was not a very competitive hockey thought tonight I was skating well, I had my feet going all night, I felt good game. NHL All-Star games have had a higher sense of defensive about the game, and I tried to get physical out there a bit,” Baertschi said urgency than this one. after the game. Baertschi was sure to credit Horvat as it was his pass Clearly the soul of the Oilers had been fully Shang Tsung’d at this point, through three Oilers that led to the tap-in goal for Baerstchi. but full credit to Horvat for his finishing ability on this play. Horvat, who “He’s such a complete player,” Baertschi said. “From what I’ve seen over has been auditioning for the captain role since Hank Sedin retired, the last few years, playing with him, and just watching him from the continued to showcase his no-nonsense, always prepared style, as he outside, I think he’s just become a more complete player overall. He’s got was by far the best player Thursday. He also put on a faceoff-winning that speed, he’s got that skill, he’s got playmaking abilities and all that. clinic, going 8-1 in the circle. Yadda, yadda, yadda, it’s just preseason, He’s a strong guy, he’s pretty much a complete player to me.” but it’s still good for the veteran players to perform and lead the way. Like a good future captain does. The long-running joke in Vancouver the last few seasons has been the linemates with whom Horvat has had to play, watching Elias Pettersson “I think I definitely proved that I got stronger and faster and can really and Brock Boeser frolic on the beach while he toiled in the mud. This stick it out there and be an impact player,” Adam Gaudette said after the season, a healthy Baertschi and a very versatile JT Miller playing with game, and it was hard to know if he was talking about his play or his goal Horvat could be one of the major parts of a Canucks push for the celebrating. postseason. Even if before Thursday’s game, Green wasn’t exactly With a fist-pump celebration heard around the world, Gaudette finished a getting caught up in all the chemistry talk of Miller and Horvat in game in which the advanced stats were not his friend but to the eye test, particular. it still felt like a strong performance. How much weight you put in a one- “It’s early,” Green said. “I think they looked OK. I don’t even know if I game sample size of a preseason blowout is up to you. All we know is could give them a grade on how they’ve looked. It’s training camp, it’s that Gaudette has a lineup of higher-priced veterans in front of him. If he one game, first game of the year. I think they like playing with each other wants to make the team out of camp, he has an uphill battle in front of so far, so that goes into it, but end of the day, there is nothing written in him. It never hurts to score a goal, though, so you can see why he might have been extremely excited about scoring, fist-pumping in a way we camp, but I knew he was going to be the backup. I just wanted to make haven’t seen since Raffi Torres. sure I was the guy in Winnipeg because to be fair, I think they had me slotted in for the ECHL before they saw me play.” On the other side of the coin, Landon Ferraro, who was a noticeable camp invite mostly due to his bloodlines, had a very good analytics So what it was like to room with Luongo? Did they trade fantasy football game, hitting 85 percent on his Corsi. The eye test also backed it up, as advice? he was a noticeably hardworking player on the ice. He might have come into camp as an afterthought, but Thursday’s game feels like it should “I didn’t know fantasy football back then!” Lack said, laughing. “Of warrant more looks for him. He played exactly like a guy trying to open course, I asked a lot of questions and I just tried to get as many pointers some eyes and earn a spot on a roster, with hard work and defensive as I could. I was very quiet just taking it all in. Compared to what I am awareness at the forefront of his game. now.”

We won’t gif too much as it’s just preseason, but give Landon credit for Did Luongo big time the young goalie from Sweden at all? Did Lack have his Jeff Tambellini-esque persistence on this puck pursuit that led to a to carry his bags or anything? quality scoring chance. “No no, Lu is the nicest ever,” Lack said. “He wouldn’t do that at all. We talking about pre-season? Jannik Hansen, on the other hand, that’s more in his wheelhouse.”

How preseason was this game? This was the Oilers’ only goal of the So what advice would Lack have for any young player entering their first night, and we never saw a camera angle that showed that the puck camp? crossed the line. All we saw was an Oiler point to the net and the ref was “Some of these guys are so young, and they’re going to end up going pretty much “Sure, OK.” and the goal was awarded. Even ASHL referees through five or six camps before they make the big club,” Lack said. “I finishing their last game of the night would debate harder about a goal would just think about showing everyone you’re working hard, you’re a than this. good listener, and that you enjoy your time with the boys. It’s a great first While we all await the reunion scene between Pettersson and Boeser (I taste of professional life.” assume it will look very much like “The Notebook,” with Boeser yelling in the rain about how he wrote Petey a letter every day for a year), we got this gem from the Canucks showing Horvat and Boeser meeting up for The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 the first time this season.

And without a doubt, the best preseason content we have gotten so far (aside from the hug) came in the form of Boeser’s new name.

If John Shorthouse doesn’t yell this out at one point this season after a Boeser goal set up by Pettersson, then what are we even doing here, folks?

I also enjoyed how in the video Boeser brings up the belated wedding gift, and Horvat gives him the “yeah, OK” look, so Boeser says he did the same thing for Baertschi as proof he didn’t just forget, and I have never felt more seen. We have all been Boeser in this situation at one point in our lives.

Rob Williams brought up one of the biggest news items of the preseason when he alerted the world that John Garrett’s famous soup catcher was back. Last season never felt quite right without knowing the poisonous Ethiopian caterpillar was resting comfortably above Garrett’s lip.

Why, then, did it come back this season? According to a source on the inside (seriously, I have a Garrett moustache source).

“He decided to grow it back after the season. Too much blowback without it.”

So yes, if any of you complained online about his lack of moustache, rest assured you helped bring it back.

Never forget Game 8.

It’s almost as if people love the Skate jersey and would like to see it for more than a few games.

Elaborate troll?

This has to be an Oilers fan just messing with Vancouver. Has to be.

While preseason hockey can often lead to legends such as Sergei Shirokov, Steve Kariya and Fedor Fedorov valiantly arriving on the scene only to find themselves being Boromir’d in the regular season, it’s important to remember that a lot of these kids are getting their first taste of NHL life. For some, this is the peak of their career, a story they can tell their friends around the fireplace in the Shire, about how they had a taste of the Show, even if it was just a couple of practices or a game or two.

Which is why I reached out to The Athletic Vancouver’s unofficial official NHL correspondent Eddie Lack to get some insight on his first preseason in the NHL, way back in 2010. Back before Tim Thomas and the Bruins did the thing. It was a simpler time, then. A happier time.

So how did Lack feel heading into camp, a relative unknown, with a future Hall of Famer Roberto Luongo ahead of him, and the next big thing Cory Schneider waiting patiently in line?

“(Laughs) I was just trying to keep my head above water,” Lack said. “I roomed with Lu, and that was big enough. Schneids had a pretty bad 1153519 Websites players while the guys waiting to get into the bench lean patiently on the boards (or worse, try to get in before guys get out).

This is why forwards jump the boards onto the ice. They can spread out The Athletic / How do line changes happen? And why do they sometimes so wholesale changes aren’t an issue, leap closer to wherever the action go wrong? is and avoid the clutter of the gate-based traffic jam.

That means that players change in through the gate – the execution necessary for a successful off-ice exit is far less exacting. Once skaters By Justin Bourne are within 10 feet they’re basically deemed off the ice anyway, and you certainly don’t want skate blades coming flying in at eye-height (meaning Sep 19, 2019 jumping in the bench isn’t a great idea).

A full bench is configured like such, with the most rested-and-ready I set out to write this piece on line changes with a few explicit goals, one forwards in the middle: of which is ensuring that you know that I don’t mean to condescend to Defensemen do change in and out of the gate, however, so they just you with this. I’ll admit, it sounds bad, right? “For my next piece, I’m going head to the back of the D-line (the middle of the bench) when their shifts to explain how to tie skates.” end. Having just four bodies changing there at once makes gate-use an I know you know how line changes work. Well, you know roughly, option. Plus, on-ice D changes are easier to anticipate given the on-ice anyway. But I feel comfortable writing about this even with the risk of distance they have to travel to get to the bench, which limits traffic jams. sounding condescending because of that “roughly” qualifier. Because Forwards work the opposite. You scooch on down the bench as guys frankly, hockey players know how line changes work too, and … come off until you’re in front of the coach, which also serves the coaches … this still happens. A lot. The waters can get muddy. well because the freshest forwards are usually in front of them.

The closest thing I can find to a team-by-team listing of too many men A few things happen here: penalties, or as the World’s Greatest Chyron Ever labeled it (with the Forwards who are not playing much often sit at the end of the bench and perfect man for it in the penalty box, Gary Roberts) … don’t slide to the front of the coach. They may be told to take up … is NHL.com’s bench minor tally. Given the infrequency with which refs residence at Bench End Pines, or they may just get the hint and move hand out bench penalties, I feel comfortable using that as a rough there to accommodate their teammates. ballpark for too many men penalties. Also, some forwards just prefer to stay at the end of the bench out of the Last season, four teams finished with 15 bench minors (Minnesota, constant shuffling (it does get annoying when you’re gassed), which Nashville, Colorado and the Rangers), which was reasonably close to means a team has to get familiar with that guy’s consistent whereabouts. double that of the league average. That means over 82 games they’re It’s annoying for everyone (and some teams won’t allow it at all), but handing the opposing team enough free power plays to concede about some just guys gotta be That Guy, y’know? four extra goals a year (and about two more than your league average It also means some guys who want to play more will strategically position team), which could potentially cost a team a win or two over the course of themselves in front of the coach outside of the natural order as often as a season. With playoff point races as tight as they are come April, line they can. This is more common than you’d think (they want their coach to changes matter. believe they’re a fresh option, or just want their coach to think of them as How is it that something like 200-plus times per season hockey teams an option before anyone else). There are lots of ways to “oopsie” find mess up something so simple? These line changes happen dozens of yourself there (maybe the water bottle you “really want” is down that way, times each period, are executed by well-paid professionals with well-paid then you sit after getting it?), and once there, it surprisingly effective at coaches, and yet it seems impossible to avoid at least a few goof-ups a getting your name called sooner. The game moves fast and coaches are season. Where are things going wrong? human – sometimes the guys in their direct line of sight just get auto- called. Well, we’re gonna talk about that. Let’s start with the basics of how changes happen, then get into the when and why before addressing the Back to our diagram: potential glitches in the system. Now, what happens next is what matters, as the things I mentioned are How teams change lines just the general layout of every bench on every team.

This article is primarily about forwards. Not because it’s not also about D, As a player, you’re listening. That’s what matters. You’re watching the but because most of the risk has been squeezed out of D-man changes. game, sure, and you’re getting fluids and you’re talking with your If a defenseman takes a too many men penalty, someone, and likely linemates as necessary, but mostly, you’re listening for your coach like a multiple someones, done messed up pretty bad. There’s less of them baby bird listening for its momma’s chirp. too, and in general, their whole experience with line changes (pair Most teams have one coach running the D and another running the changes?) is much more manageable. forwards (usually the head coach). The head coach will only tell the D We’ll keep things simple and start by looking at the bench. “Simple” is the coach who to play when he wants something outside the normal game obvious rule of thumb when considering how your bench should be laid plan (or in the dying minutes and other big moments). He may also just out. The farther from your net that your team messes up the better. If want to say something like: “Is it just me or does D-man X look awful so your goalie messes up, that’s a goal against, and that’s as close to your far?” He’ll just want to know if the D coach is seeing the same things. But net as an error can get. If your D-man falls on a rush against, that’s a for the most part, the head coach isn’t the guy deciding which defenders breakaway – a pretty significant problem. If your forward screws up the go over the boards in-game. I specify “in-game” as he may have dictated forecheck rotation, well … OK. The other team completes its first his wants pre-game. breakout pass. They still have to successfully complete about 19 more The head coach is mostly focused on which forward names to call out things to turn that into a goal. Therefore, you want to prioritize your next, or more specifically, which center’s name. That’s what you’re players starting from a good defensive position. listening for as a forward. “Smitty, you’re up,” “Smitty you’re next” “Smitty What that means is you want your D-men changes to be as easy as you guys are going,” or whatever. If Smitty is your center, you’re up too. possible and as close to your net as possible to avoid the big breakdown. From there, the players on the bench take an action that seems straight So whichever end you’re defending, that’s the side of the bench at which out of minor hockey: They call out their change, obvious as it may be to the D-men change. everyone, even in Game 37, 47 and 63, even if it’s the same as their change has been all year. That leaves the forwards using the far gate, but the whole “using the gate” thing is an issue in itself. There are often three bodies coming into “I got Johnny,” “I got Wheels,” “I got Mickey,” and so on. It probably the elevated bench on a change and three more going on. It can be sounds unnecessary, but I thought this was an interesting excerpt from chaos, cluttered and players often need to jump RIGHT into the action. the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear about the idea (and value of) of There’s no time or space to go single file through the door like pee wee “pointing and calling.” It’s error reduction via simple means. As the guy on the bench, once your confusion, and when players come off the rink. All told, none of that line has been called, it’s as simple as that – you call your change and seems overly difficult or at least doesn’t for players who’ve been doing it wait. It makes you and everyone else aware of what’s coming next. for years and years. You’re just looking for your guy hitting the figurative off-switch and skating toward the bench to get that leg up to get ready to go over. There are some other items to consider though.

That part all sounds nice and easy, and it is. Still, there are some Some coaches always want the centermen of any given line on the ice complications. I’m going to get to those in just a second. First, let’s talk first when a forward line goes on. That’s for several reasons. One is just about when players change, which provides another predictive cue for that having a fresh center on the ice – remember, he’s the guy who those waiting to hop on. spends his D-zone time down low– gives you the best chance at preventing chances against. In the D-zone, centers become defenseman When do players change? No. 3. If only a winger could get off the ice for a change, and a fresh center goes for him, he can bail out the tired center and play low in the D- I think this is an area the newer fan may find confusing that just … isn’t. zone (with the tired center reading that and slotting in for the winger in See, hockey isn’t like other sports, not in the slightest when it comes to the D-zone), presumably doing a better job of getting the play going back player substitution. That’s because hockey is unfortunately comparable the right way. If a team ices the puck, they’d then have two center to the worst type of distance running on earth: the 800 meters … I guess options on the draw, and one who’s fresh. It goes back to wanting errors “dash?” (The death hustle? The 800-meter moral defeater?) as far from the net as possible. Getting a fresh center on the ice first In football, you’re operating in a series of sprints. Rest, MAX EFFORT, should help the D keep problems away from the net, no matter what else rest, MAX EFFORT and so on. It’s the 100-meter on repeat. Basketball is unfolds. closer to distance running, where there’s at least some pacing involved. What that means is, if I’m the RW, and the on-ice RW is heading to the There are times when you push past people and GO, of course, but there bench as the first change amongst his linemates, the center says “I got are also times within the race where you can be in your own version of him” or whatever and goes, which means my change as the RW is now cruise control. Baseball … baseball is also a sport. the center. That’s not overly hard, but it’s certainly another wrinkle. (Most But yeah, hockey is that awful middle distance where you can’t really rest of these things only look hard when a whack of changes happen at once, within the race (sometimes the play has you less busy, but that’s rarely but really, each guy just has one responsibility ) your call) so you kind of have to sprint everywhere But that sprint lasts Another complication comes from a systems-play standpoint. Meaning way, way too long. Imagine if you extended the 800-meter dash to 1000, that if the opposing team has or is getting the puck, whichever player and started another comparable runner at the 800-meter mark against jumps on the ice first fills the lane farthest from the bench in every the guy who just finished 800. Guess who’s winning the final 200. The system I’ve ever seen. That allows the defensive team to set up its fresh guy is crushing the guy who’s otherwise his equal. To keep that structure quickest (particularly thinking of neutral zone forechecks here) metaphor going, in hockey, you’re looking to get off the ice around 500- and eliminates any free passes into their zone. Imagine if a forward line 600 meters in, before fresh opponents can get out there and crush you, changed after a dump-in and the first guy on the ice stayed in the lane even those who aren’t your equal. closest to the bench. Guess where the opposing breakout is gonna waltz In hockey, where strength and speed drops hard as you lose your wind up the ice? Correct, the far lane. You’d prefer to steer the play towards and legs, a bad player can dominate a good player whose tank’s on E. the lane where you know you’ve got teammates.

Hockey forwards have come to accept that the ideal shift length is Let’s say the far lane would be that of the left winger, and the on-ice left somewhere around 43-52 seconds (changing too often means you’re not and right wingers are coming for a change, with the on-ice right winger in the action enough), which means that from about 30 seconds on, changing first. The on-bench wingers can quickly communicate with each barring being in the midst of a play, it’s time to start looking for exit ramps another that the left winger should go first just so they can take care of off the highway. Time – after that 30-second mark or so – is another clue that far lane, while also avoiding having to switch later in the shift. If this for the players on the bench to stand up and get serious again. doesn’t happen, things will be hunky-dory and all, it’s just another variable that can complicate a change. As a forward, you want to change with the play going the right way (heading toward, or already inside the offensive zone). Leaving your Yet another difficulty comes after special teams. Most top power-play team outmanned with the puck inside or entering your zone is a potential units are assembled from multiple lines of players. This is when a coach disaster. The reality is that when defending, a tired body is better than an really has his work cut out for him. If a power play expires and players absent one. from the top PP unit come off, the coach is almost always missing guys off his top two (or three?) lines. That means he can either go with his There are times, of course, when a player is just so tired you’ll take the fourth line to settle things again, but that’s not an ideal plan over 82 fresh legs over the opportunity to defend with even numbers, but that’s games. There’s a lot of minutes to be had there and there are usually just a decision the player has to make based on the circumstances of any better non-PP bodies from the top two lines sitting in wait. Since given shift. Change going the wrong way too often, though, and you’ll assembling a fill-in next line can get muddled here, a coach can’t just call inspire questions from your staff and teammates about your priorities: a center’s name as he normally would. That coach will have to specify team or self? That’s because often there’s a chance to go on a rush 35 or the three players names and positions in those instances, consisting of 40 seconds into a shift – if you go for it and take that chance to pick up hopefully the best amalgamation of rested/good/positional fits possible, some offense, you’re likely looking at a shift length that’ll leave you that also leaves a good, whole line to follow up next. gassed and unable to help when the play starts going the other way. That means putting your next teammate at a disadvantage. Most would agree Something similar happens after a penalty, where top lines are missing that a fresh player can jump on and still be a part of an offensive rush, players who are gassed after the PK, meaning other low-line players are too. (It would be fun to track which players leave their teammates going asked to sub in. This is where coaches have to layout pre-game plans which way with regularity. There are undeniably certain players who, and make adjustments based on injuries and in-game performance. when you change for them, you find yourself rushing back to start each Who’s playing with whom now? (This is inevitably where the coach shift in your own zone.) cobbles some line of scraps together, someone calls back with panic “Mac’s skate blade is broken!” as a change is happening and the nearest Another rule of thumb is that you want to change with your linemates live body gets thrown over the boards in some random unfamiliar when possible. The coaches have laid out line combinations for a reason. position.) One guy staying out 20 seconds beyond his linemates can muddle up the next series of lines going over the boards. Boiled down, if you think It’s also worth mentioning that it can be loud out there, and games are you’re fresh enough for one more rush, but both your linemates change, rarely predictable, so listening becomes even more crucial. The in-game it’s time to get off. experience is a living, breathing animal that requires constant attention. Players get injured and need to miss shifts, equipment malfunctions or All these little things are considerations that go into the decision of when breaks and some guys get caught out on marathon shifts and need to change. longer rests. Even with all that, sometimes two names just sound the same, as I know from my college days with “Bourne” and “Corrin” and Complications “Tassone.” (Fortunately, I couldn’t miss my center’s name call, as We’ve looked at how a bench is arranged and how players know who’s “Kronschnabel” is reasonably distinct.) going next. We’ve looked at how they try to minimize mid-change This all brings me to the most common ways too many men penalties happen:

Muddled communication. “I thought you called my name” headlines the list.

Line of scrimmage audibles. This happens when a coach calls a line and a player gets it stuck in his head that he’s going next and stops listening. Then the coach goes “actually Player X, you’re going instead” and that first guy misses that important tidbit. Then two wingers change for the same guy.

Line matching. Another complication that I didn’t mention above. If it’s been told to one line that they’re matching an opposing line, listening becomes key. “Smitty, your line’s going unless Crosby’s line goes. If they do, it’s Jonesy’s line.” You need all six guys on those two lines aware of what’s happening. Then you really need people talking on the bench for the “if, then” changes.

Non-changes. Often a teammate will pull up looking tired, skate to the bench to change and a player on the bench will jump on, focused on the play. Then the on-ice player will have that play come back at them and they’ll re-engage. That’s when you get guys diving back into the bench as they realize someone went on and nobody came off.

But even with all these things, it comes down to this simplicity: The coach calls out the guys who go next, the players call out who they’re changing for, and it’s not really all that difficult.

There are times on the bench, where, I’ll admit it, it’s almost embarrassing calling out your change. Everyone knows you’re the right winger changing for the right winger. You’ve called that same guy’s name hundreds of times during the season. But at the same time, it’s not hard to do, and you never know when it’s going to clarify something for someone else. Line changes are a huge part of the game and a HUGE part of coaching, yet they rarely get much attention. Getting this part of the game right can go a long way over the course of a full hockey season.

The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153520 Websites Key subtractions/graduations: Carl Grundstrom The Leafs are one of the best teams in the NHL and a lot of their top

players are still rather young in Matthews, Marner and Nylander. Seeing The Athletic / Ranking NHL teams by their 23 and under core, 2019-20 the progress of players like Kapanen, Sandin and Bracco last season edition only helps stretch out the depth of the team and makes sure they have options as they try to make runs the next few seasons.

Vancouver Canucks By Corey Pronman Previous U23 ranking: No. 8 Sep 19, 2019 Farm Ranking: No. 5

Core: Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser, Quinn Hughes, Vasili Podkolzin, At the end of each individual team piece in the farm rankings, I posted a Thatcher Demko, Olli Juolevi, Tyler Madden, Jake Virtanen, Nils top 10 ranking of the team’s players age 23 and under (with Sept. 15, Hoglander, Nikolay Goldobin 2019 as the cutoff) that incorporated both prospects and NHL players. The farm rankings were not based on that type of evaluation, this list is. Key additions: Vasili Podkolzin, Nils Hoglander

Every year when defining who a prospect is one or two teams tend to get Key subtractions/graduations: Bo Horvat unfairly penalized by the process. For example, Calgary, No. 31 in this The Canucks fanbase has some reason for optimism now after the year’s farm rankings, didn’t have two of its top young players qualify by a season Pettersson had, while maintaining an elite farm system at the matter of an NHL game or so. same time. Pettersson, Boeser and Hughes are massive pieces for their The biggest difference between this and the farm rankings is we’re future. There’s very reasonable criticism to make of the team for its dealing with a lot of established NHL players, many of whom are decisions on the trade and free agency front, and it has by no means important players for their teams, and that changes the analysis been perfect at the draft, but it has good young players to work with. significantly. Being able to make the jump from top prospect to top NHLer Colorado Avalanche is a massive one and a leap a significant number of prospects are unable to make, so that risk is accounted for relative to their more proven Previous U23 ranking: No. 7 counterparts. Farm Ranking: No. 2 Edmonton Oilers Core: Mikko Rantanen, Cale Makar, Bowen Byram, Samuel Girard, Alex Previous U23 ranking: No. 1 Newhook, , Martin Kaut, Vladislav Kamenev, Shane Bowers, Alex Beaucage Farm Ranking: No. 9 Key additions: Bowen Byram, Alex Newhook Core: Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Philip Broberg, Evan Bouchard, Jesse Puljujarvi, Dmitri Samorukov, Tyler Benson, Raphael Lavoie, Key subtractions/graduations: Nathan MacKinnon, J.T. Compher Kailer Yamamoto, Caleb Jones It says a lot about the team Colorado is building that MacKinnon no Key additions: Philip Broberg, Raphael Lavoie longer qualifies for this list but the Avs are still right near the top. This is a team with the pieces to become a contender soon. Maybe it’s not this Key subtractions/graduations: Darnell Nurse season, as players like Makar and Byram probably can’t be relied on to I would tell Oilers fans the future is bright, but I don’t think they’d believe be impact guys next season, but the Avs are close. me, and I wouldn’t blame them. Regardless, they have the clear best Winnipeg Jets young core of players, headed by the best player in the game in McDavid, with Draisaitl being among the very best as well. Beyond that, Previous U23 ranking: No. 6 they have a top 10 farm system, including two top-end defense prospects in Bouchard and Broberg. Farm Ranking: No. 27

Buffalo Sabres Core: Patrik Laine, Kyle Connor, Nikolaj Ehlers, Kristian Vesalainen, Jack Roslovic, Dylan Samberg, Ville Heinola, Logan Stanley, Mason Appleton, Previous U23 ranking: No. 2 Sami Niku

Farm Ranking: No. 18 Key additions: Ville Heinola

Core: Jack Eichel, Rasmus Dahlin, Sam Reinhart, Dylan Cozens, Casey Key subtractions/graduations: Josh Morrissey, Nic Petan Mittelstadt, Henri Jokiharju, Oskari Laaksonen, Ryan Johnson, Ukko- Pekka Luukkonen, Tage Thompson Dom Luszczyszyn recently discussed the Jets roster, pointing out the lack of depth on defense as an issue for them not being projected to Key additions: Dylan Cozens, Henri Jokiharju, Ryan Johnson make the playoffs. I don’t think their window has closed yet although the Dustin Byfuglien news isn’t helping matters. I’m still a big believer in Key subtractions/graduations: Rasmus Ristolainen, Alexander Nylander Laine despite his tough season, and both Connor and Ehlers are The Sabres have made a lot of lottery picks in recent years, including No. excellent young talents. They have some good, albeit not top-end, 1 overall Dahlin, two No. 2 overalls in Eichel and Reinhart, and getting defense prospects on the way to fill out that depth chart too. Cozens and Mittelstadt in the top 10. The hope for Sabres fans is that Philadelphia Flyers they can turn that group of highly talented players into a good NHL team. There is enough upside within this group to help the Sabres materialize Previous U23 ranking: No. 15 into a contender. They will need Cozens, Mittelstadt and Jokiharju, among others, to pan out, which isn’t a given but the potential is there. Farm Ranking: No. 7

Toronto Maple Leafs Core: Ivan Provorov, Travis Konecny, Nolan Patrick, Carter Hart, Joel Farabee, Morgan Frost, Travis Sanheim, Cam York, Oskar Lindblom, Previous U23 ranking: No. 4

Farm Ranking: No. 21 Key additions: Cam York

Core: Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, Kasperi Key subtractions/graduations: Kapanen, Rasmus Sandin, Travis Dermott, Nicholas Robertson, Jeremy Bracco, Joseph Woll, Timothy Liljegren The Flyers’ young group will be fascinating to follow. They have many talented players in the league and in the farm, but they don’t have that Key additions: Nicholas Robertson true young superstar in this group. I think this should still be more than enough to build a consistently strong team for the next five-plus years, but it would be a twist on the conventional rebuilding model if they found New Jersey Devils a way to turn this group into a true elite team. Previous U23 ranking: No. 18 Carolina Hurricanes Farm Ranking: No. 3 Previous U23 ranking: No. 13 Core: Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Ty Smith, Jesper Bratt, Pavel Zacha, Farm Ranking: No. 8 Jesper Boqvist, Mackenzie Blackwood, Joey Anderson, Michael McLeod, Daniil Misyul Core: Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, Martin Necas, Ryan Suzuki, Jake Bean, Patrik Puistola, Warren Foegele, Janne Kuokkanen, Gustav Key additions: Jack Hughes, Daniil Misyul Forsling, Julien Gauthier Key subtractions/graduations: Will Butcher, Miles Wood, Steve Santini Key additions: Ryan Suzuki, Patrik Puistola, Gustav Forsling The Devils have had two first-overall picks in the past few years, giving Key subtractions/graduations: Brett Pesce, Adam Fox, Nicolas Roy, them their centers of the future in Hischier and Hughes. The rebuild Lucas Wallmark process has been steady, but the Bratt pick, along with high-end talent on the way in Hughes and Smith, and a strong offseason should give The Hurricanes group is led by a true star player in Aho, a future star in Devils fans some reason for optimism. I don’t know if there’s enough Svechnikov, and the pieces of a top 10 farm system behind them. The depth there to be a contender, but I like the way this organization is Hurricanes are a deep organization at the NHL and prospect level, and trending. they have talent coming to supplement the roster when certain players need to be replaced. Chicago Blackhawks

Detroit Red Wings Previous U23 ranking: No. 21

Previous U23 ranking: No. 12 Farm Ranking: No. 10

Farm Ranking: No. 13 Core: Alex DeBrincat, Kirby Dach, Dylan Strome, Adam Boqvist, Alexander Nylander, Ian Mitchell, Brendan Perlini, Evan Barratt, Alex Core: Dylan Larkin, Filip Zadina, Moritz Seider, Filip Hronek, Michael Vlasic, Nicolas Beaudin Rasmussen, Dennis Cholowski, Joe Veleno, Jonatan Berggren, Robert Mastrosimone, Jared McIsaac Key additions: Kirby Dach, Dylan Strome, Alexander Nylander, Brendan Perlini, Alex Vlasic Key additions: Moritz Seider, Robert Mastrosimone Key subtractions/graduations: Nick Schmaltz, Dylan Sikura, Henri Key subtractions/graduations: Anthony Mantha, Tyler Bertuzzi Jokiharju, Gustav Forsling

Detroit fans still have some more pain left in this rebuild, but the Wings Chicago has an above-average group of young players, led by 40-goal are moving in the right direction. They found the hardest piece to get: a scorer Alex DeBrincat and third-overall picks Dach and Strome. This isn’t true No. 1 center in Larkin. Zadina and Seider are major future pieces, a traditional rebuild, as the Blackhawks attempted to stretch out the and the season Hronek had was very promising. They likely need a little contending windows with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. I don’t know more in terms of true star talent, but they could come out of this rebuild in if they have quite enough to get back to where they were earlier in this a few years with a good team. decade, but they could certainly build a solid team from this group.

Boston Bruins Tampa Bay Lightning

Previous U23 ranking: No. 10 Previous U23 ranking: No. 20

Farm Ranking: No. 29 Farm Ranking: No. 23

Core: David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, Jake DeBrusk, Brandon Carlo, Core: Brayden Point, Mikhail Sergachev, Anthony Cirelli, Erik Cernak, Jack Studnicka, Urho Vaakanainen, John Beecher, Kyle Keyser, Anders Alex Barre-Boulet, Cal Foote, Mathieu Joseph, Taylor Raddysh, Sammy Bjork, Trent Frederic Walker, Nolan Foote

Key additions: John Beecher Key additions: Nolan Foote

Key subtractions/graduations: Danton Heinen, Ryan Donato Tampa benefited greatly from third-round pick Brayden Point emerging The Bruins’ farm system was ranked near the bottom of the league, but a into a legit star forward in the league. Its young group isn’t all that reason they’ve been able to be so good for so long is their ability to find amazing after Point, but given where the team has been picking the past significant talent later in the draft. Pastrnak is a star, McAvoy isn’t too far few years, it has several quality young NHL players in the lineup and behind, and both DeBrusk and Carlo are important parts of a great team. players who project to be the same. The Lightning have the necessary Those players along with some solid depth pieces on the way should ingredients to stay a good team for the next little while. help stretch out their contending window. Dallas Stars

Ottawa Senators Previous U23 ranking: No. 27

Previous U23 ranking: No. 24 Farm Ranking: No. 24

Farm Ranking: No. 12 Core: Miro Heiskanen, Roope Hintz, Thomas Harley, Jason Robertson, Core: Thomas Chabot, Brady Tkachuk, Drake Batherson, Colin White, Ty Dellandrea, Denis Gurianov, Jake Oettinger, Julius Honka, Ben Erik Brannstrom, Alex Formenton, Logan Brown, Josh Norris, Rudolfs Gleason, Oskar Back Balcers, Lassi Thomson Key additions: Thomas Harley

Key additions: Erik Brannstrom, Lassi Thomson Key subtractions/graduations: Valeri Nichushkin

Key subtractions/graduations: Christian Wolanin Heiskanen emerged last season as one of the premier young Ottawa fans have been through a lot of pain in recent years, for a variety defensemen in the NHL and looks like a true building block for the Stars’ of reasons. There is some reason for optimism with this group of young future. Hintz also had a promising rookie season. Behind them is a players, even if the fourth overall pick at the 2019 Draft would have made decent, albeit not incredibly deep, farm. While this ranking doesn’t come a big difference. Chabot and Tkachuk look like impact NHLers, and they down purely to how good Heiskanen is, he’s a massive part of it. have a strong, albeit not elite, farm behind them. There is still some more Arizona Coyotes rebuilding left, and by most reasonable projections they should be able to add a top young talent this summer. Ideally they add a first-line center of Previous U23 ranking: No. 11 the future to this group. Farm Ranking: No. 17 Core: Clayton Keller, Barrett Hayton, Nick Schmaltz, Jakob Chychrun, Key subtractions/graduations: Aleksander Barkov, Jared McCann Christian Dvorak, Victor Soderstrom, Kevin Bahl, Kyle Capobianco, Conor Garland, Lawson Crouse Florid a few years ago was considered a highly talented but young team. Its young core pieces of Ekblad, Barkov, Jonathan Huberdeau, Nick Key additions: Nick Schmaltz, Victor Soderstrom Bjugstad (who was traded) and Mike Matheson were going to be keys to getting out of mediocrity. Today those players have grown up into prime- Key subtractions/graduations: Dylan Strome, Brendan Perlini, Pierre- aged players and the team’s results have still not been great. Florida has Olivier Joseph some good players on the way, added over the summer, and could be a Arizona has a decent young group, led by highly talented forwards Keller, playoff contender for the foreseeable future, but it still needs a bit more Hayton and Schmaltz. As Luszczyszyn pointed out in his season talent to be a Cup contender. preview, there’s good players here but a lack of star power. I could see Anaheim Ducks Keller or Hayton become a star, but they’re not there yet. Previous U23 ranking: No. 29 New York Rangers Farm Ranking: No. 14 Previous U23 ranking: No. 22 Core: Trevor Zegras, Ondrej Kase, Troy Terry, Sam Steel, , Farm Ranking: No. 1 Maxime Comtois, Daniel Sprong, Isac Lundestrom, Max Jones, Brendan Core: Kaapo Kakko, Vitaly Kravtsov, Filip Chytil, Adam Fox, Anthony Guhle DeAngelo, Brett Howden, Igor Shesterkin, K’Andre Miller, Lias Key additions: Trevor Zegras, Daniel Sprong, Brendan Guhle Andersson, Brendan Lemieux Key subtractions/graduations: Key additions: Kaapo Kakko, Adam Fox The Ducks got the ninth-overall pick in 2019 when they missed the Key subtractions/graduations: Neal Pionk, Pavel Buchnevich playoffs after six straight appearances. The Ducks have done a good job The Rangers’ rebuild has been unique. They’ve been bad for a few years finding quality talent outside the top of the draft, such as Kase, Terry and and, after getting a second-, seventh- and ninth-overall pick the past Comtois. Their organization has young talent coming at forward three seasons, signaled their intention to win more games by acquiring particularly, but a lot of it is relatively unproven talent at the NHL level. Jacob Trouba and Artemi Panarin. The Rangers were my No. 1 ranked The team has shown progress building its young talent base and this farm system and certainly have a lot of talent on the way, but they don’t could continue to go in the right direction, but there’s a lot more work left have much in terms of proven high-end young players on the roster, even to do before the Ducks are a top team again. if I like the potential for players such as Chytil, DeAngelo and Howden. New York Islanders

Montreal Canadiens Previous U23 ranking: No. 14

Previous U23 ranking: No. 17 Farm Ranking: No. 16

Farm Ranking: No. 6 Core: Mathew Barzal, Noah Dobson, Anthony Beauvillier, Oliver Core: Jesperi Kotkaniemi, , Nick Suzuki, Ryan Poehling, Wahlstrom, Otto Koivula, Josh Ho-Sang, Kieffer Bellows, Bode Wilde, Josh Brook, Cayden Primeau, Victor Mete, Alexander Romanov, Noah Michael Dal Colle, Ruslan Iskhakov Juulsen, Jesse Ylonen Key additions:

Key additions: Cole Caufield Key subtractions/graduations: Ryan Pulock, Ilya Sorokin

Key subtractions/graduations: Jonathan Drouin, Max Domi There was a lot of movement going on in this Islanders ranking even if The Habs have a very strong farm system, but outside of Kotkaniemi, the group looks mostly the same. Prospects like Wahlstrom and Bellows who has the potential to be an impact NHLer, there isn’t a lot at the NHL took a step back, while Koivula took a big step forward. In the NHL, level in terms of significant young talent. This is a team that could have a Barzal, who I still think is an elite young player, saw his production dip a strong young group of NHL players in a few years, but there’s still some bit. The Islanders also get uniquely penalized in these rankings for growing to do for this organization. having a prospect age out in KHL goalie Ilya Sorokin.

Columbus Blue Jackets Calgary Flames

Previous U23 ranking: No. 3 Previous U23 ranking: No. 9

Farm Ranking: No. 25 Farm Ranking: No. 31

Core: Zach Werenski, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Emil Bemstrom, Alexandre Core: Matthew Tkachuk, Noah Hanifin, Sam Bennett, Juuso Valimaki, Texier, Kirill Marchenko, Daniil Tarasov. Liam Foudy, Sonny Milano, Rasmus Andersson, Dillon Dube, Mathias Emilio Pettersen, Oliver Dmitry Voronkov, Trey Fix-Wolansky Kylington, Andrew Mangiapane, Jakob Pelletier

Key additions: Dmitry Voronkov Key additions: Jakob Pelletier

Key subtractions/graduations: Seth Jones, Alexander Wennberg, Oliver Key subtractions/graduations: Sean Monahan, Elias Lindholm Bjorkstrand, Vitaly Abramov Calgary has a great roster and look like a team that should be a Columbus is in a tough spot as an organization. They have a fine roster, contender for the near future. Its roster isn’t that old with players like with some really good players, but it’s not a contending roster. They have Tkachuk and Hanifin. But with that said, while it has a few good young good prospects ready to contribute, but overall lack a true top farm players on the way in Valimaki and Dube, there isn’t a whole lot left in the system in terms of depth and quality. Their young NHLers in Werenski farm to reach to for playoff runs. and Dubois are great players and help maintain some optimism for the Los Angeles Kings future. Previous U23 ranking: No. 23 Florida Panthers Farm Ranking: No. 4 Previous U23 ranking: No. 5 Core: Alex Turcotte, Arthur Kaliyev, Rasmus Kupari, Adrian Kempe, Farm Ranking: No. 15 Tobias Bjornfot, Kale Clague, Samuel Fagemo, Akil Thomas, Jaret Core: Aaron Ekblad, Grigory Denisenko, Henrik Borgstrom, Owen Anderson-Dolan, Mikey Anderson Tippett, Spencer Knight, Aleksi Heponiemi, Denis Malgin, Serron Noel, Key additions: Alex Turcotte, Arthur Kaliyev, Tobias Bjornfot, Samuel Logan Hutsko, Brady Keeper Fagemo Key additions: Spencer Knight, Brady Keeper Key subtractions/graduations: Michael Amadio, Dominik Kubalik group of young players takes time, especially when they traded two first- round picks in Brannstrom and Nick Suzuki. The Kings have an elite farm system, but their rebuild still has a long way to go, as the bulk of their top young talent is still very young and outside Washington Capitals the NHL. Part of the reason their ranking didn’t budge much was the uncertainty surrounding Gabriel Vilardi, who I was very high at on this Previous U23 ranking: No. 28 time last year. Farm Ranking: No. 30

San Jose Sharks Core: Jakub Vrana, Ilya Samsonov, Alexander Alexeyev, Brett Leason, Previous U23 ranking: No. 25 Connor McMichael, Jonas Siegenthaler, Martin Fehervary, Lucas Johansen, Riley Sutter, Aliaksei Protas Farm Ranking: No. 20 Key additions: Connor McMichael Core: Timo Meier, Kevin Labanc, Ryan Merkley, Ivan Chekhovich, Alexander Chmelevski, Dylan Gambrell, Mario Ferraro, Joachim Key subtractions/graduations: Andre Burakovsky, Madison Bowey Blichfeld, Alexander True, Dillon Hamaliuk The Capitals’ young group is led by the highly skilled Vrana, who Key additions: Dillon Hamaliuk developed into a solid NHL player. They have some talent on the way. I don’t know if any of their prospects are guys I’d bet on becoming above- Key subtractions/graduations: average regulars (although McMichael has looked promising this camp), but there’s a lot of guys that I think will become NHLers. The Sharks have been able to win for a long time by replenishing their team even without high picks, although Meier, who is a great player, is an Pittsburgh Penguins exception. Kevin Labanc becoming what he is now is an example of that. After those players is a solid farm system with several guys who could Previous U23 ranking: No. 30 push for a job, although none project as truly top players in the league. Farm Ranking: No. 28

St. Louis Blues Core: Jared McCann, Marcus Pettersson, Calen Addison, Nathan Previous U23 ranking: No. 16 Legare, Samuel Poulin, Filip Hallander, Jordy Bellerive, Pierre-Olivier Joseph, Justin Almeida, Emil Larmi Farm Ranking: No. 19 Key additions: Jared McCann, Marcus Pettersson, Nathan Legare, Core: Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou, Vince Dunn, Dominik Bokk, Klim Samuel Poulin, Pierre-Olivier Joseph Kostin, Robby Fabbri, Ivan Barbashev, Sammy Blais, Scott Perunovich, Alexei Toropchenko Key subtractions/graduations: Jake Guentzel, Daniel Sprong, Tristan Jarry Key additions: The Penguins have tried recently to acquire some more significant young Although the group is nearly identical to last year’s, the Blues tumble a talent by trade and draft picks. But their farm system was so thin that it’s bit. That’s partly due to not adding much of significance. I probably got still going to take a lot more effort to build up that pipeline, even if I do ahead of myself with the ratings of Thomas and Bokk this time last like what they’ve done with the limited draft picks they’ve had. season, even if I still like both players a lot, particularly Thomas. Fabbri’s development also hasn’t been the best. This group could develop into Nashville Predators something decent, but Blues fans probably are still enjoying their Cup Previous U23 ranking: No. 26 hangover and not reading this article, so I’m not worried about much backlash. Farm Ranking: No. 26

Minnesota Wild Core: Philip Tomasino, Eeli Tolvanen, Yegor Afanasyev, Dante Fabbro, Jachym Kondelik, Rem Pitlick, Jeremy Davies, Semyon Chistyakov, Previous U23 ranking: No. 31 Tomas Vomacka, Connor Ingram

Farm Ranking: No. 22 Key additions: Philip Tomasino, Yegor Afanaseyev, Jeremy Davies

Core: Matthew Boldy, Kevin Fiala, Ryan Donato, Kirill Kaprizov, Luke Key subtractions/graduations: Kevin Fiala, Juuse Saros, Ryan Hartman Kunin, Jordan Greenway, Joel Eriksson Ek, Alexander Khovanov, Sam Hentges, Mason Shaw The youngest returning player from last season for the Predators is Saros, who turned 24 in April. Fabbro and Tolvanen should push for NHL Key additions: Matthew Boldy, Ryan Donato, Kevin Fiala games this season, though, and they are very good prospects. It’s hard Key subtractions/graduations: Gustav Olofsson to place anywhere but the bottom on this type of list when you have zero NHL regulars in the age range and a farm system that isn’t above- After being the 31st ranked team in this group last season, the Wild average. added several significant young pieces in Boldy, Donato and Fiala. That doesn’t vault them up a massive amount, but it changes the direction of the team and adds some much needed young talent. The Wild still need The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 more, but the team is likely too good to get lottery level talent but not good enough to compete.

Vegas Golden Knights

Previous U23 ranking: No. 19

Farm Ranking: No. 11

Core: Cody Glass, Alex Tuch, Nicolas Hague, Peyton Krebs, Lucas Elvenes, Nicolas Roy, , Pavel Dorofeyev, Dylan Coghlan, Ivan Morozov

Key additions: Peyton Krebs, Nicolas Roy, Pavel Dorofeyev

Key subtractions/graduations: Shea Theodore, Erik Brannstrom

Given Vegas has only been through a couple of drafts and only has one significant young player on the roster in Tuch, the low ranking shouldn’t be a huge surprise. I like their farm system a lot but building up a top 1153521 Websites Derek Stepan. His numbers were skewed by all the injuries the team absorbed last season and the role he had to play as a shutdown center after Brad Richardson was hurt.

The Athletic / 2019-20 draft prep: The Athletic’s NHL beat writers give I’d also put Clayton Keller in this category. I think his 65-point rookie their sleepers, bouncebacks, rookie standouts and more season is closer to who he is than his 47-point sophomore slump.

Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this season? By Nando Di Fino Philadelphia goalie Carter Hart. I think the Flyers have finally found their Sep 19, 2019 goalie.

What’s a fair scoring projection for Phil Kessel?

ANAHEIM DUCKS 28 goals, 40 assists, 68 points. He doesn’t have the talent around him that he had in Pittsburgh, but he has been a consistent point producer Eric Stephens everywhere he has been. Who is your team’s sleeper (the most underrated/unheralded player who What’s the goalie situation on your team? And can you project the will surprise everyone this year)? number of games played for each goalie? Ondrej Kase. Those in the analytical community rave about him and a lot Assuming health, Antti Raanta and Darcy Kuemper could be a 1/1A of that is warranted. But the young right wing does have the ability to situation with Raanta playing 48-55 games and Kuemper playing 27-34. I finish those plays that he often starts with his strong possession work. He actually have a story publishing Monday on the goaltending plan. has 30-goal potential. He also has to stay healthy, which has been a problem through his NHL career. Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team?

Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? Jakob Chychrun. It’s heavy and he isn’t shy about letting it fly.

Sam Steel. It is possible that Troy Terry, Max Comtois and Max Jones BOSTON BRUINS play significant roles for the Ducks this season. But Steel is a crafty playmaker and can pick corners with his strong wrist shot. If he can stick Fluto Shinzawa with Rickard Rakell and Jakob Silfverberg as his partners and handle the Who is your team’s sleeper? faster NHL pace over the long grind, Steel has the opportunity to rack up points and fill a big hole. Charlie Coyle

Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel?

Rickard Rakell. I think Ryan Getzlaf will be rejuvenated to a degree with Anders Bjork some young players around him. But Rakell got his scoring touch back at the end of last season and I can’t possibly see him not blowing past 20 Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? goals and making a push for a third 30-goal campaign. He had a 9.3 Kevan Miller shooting percentage last season and he’ll get more shot opportunities in this one. Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this season? Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this season? Cale Makar

Connor McDavid. Got a feeling he’s finally ready to come into his own. … Will Boston scale back Tuukka Rask again? What will the workload look Fine, I’ll stop playing around. Got a feeling P.K. Subban is going to really like between him and Jaroslav Halak? bounce back and flourish in a big role leading New Jersey’s defense. He will play a ton of minutes and could be on the ice often with Taylor Hall, Last year’s split was close to perfect. Rask will start 45, Halak will get 37. Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. You also know he’s going to relish being Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team? back in a big market (or near it). Please make me look good, P.K. Please. Zdeno Chara

How many games do you expect John Gibson to play this season? BUFFALO SABRES

He’ll play 55-60 games. He’s played in 60 and 58 the past two seasons. John Vogl They’ve got Ryan Miller behind him and there’s no need to run him out there for up to 70 games. And Gibson is no longer the injury-plagued Who is your team’s sleeper? goalie that you once wondered if he could hold up. Jimmy Vesey. After scoring 17 times for the Rangers the past two Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team? seasons, he arrived in Buffalo and got put on Jack Eichel’s left wing. While the Sabres may eventually go back to Jeff Skinner next to Eichel, Ryan Getzlaf. At 34, he can still rip it. But every coach he’s ever played Vesey will get good minutes regardless. He’ll also be on the power play for has asked this question: Why don’t you shoot the puck more? and penalty kill.

ARIZONA COYOTES Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel?

Craig Morgan LW Victor Olofsson. He led the Swedish league in scoring two years ago and scored 30 times in the AHL last year. He’ll get big minutes, too. Who is your team’s sleeper? Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? Nick Schmaltz. He’s going to get the chance to play with Phil Kessel on the top line and on the top power-play unit. C Evan Rodrigues. He broke his thumb in camp in 2017-18; he played 48 games and had 25 points, good for a 43-point pace. He dipped to 29 Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? points in a full season last year but is starting with Skinner on his wing Defenseman Jakob Chychrun is healthy and his minutes should climb. and has the speed and passing to feed the goal scorer. The Coyotes would like to find creative ways to take advantage of his Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this shot on the power play, but for now, he appears to be anchored on the season? second unit. San Jose’s Timo Meier. He had 30 goals last year but could challenge for Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? the NHL lead this year. What’s the goalie situation on your team? And can you project the Drake Caggiula. He got a chance to play with Kane and Toews last number of games played for each goalie? season and could get that opportunity again. Even if he doesn’t, he’ll get a chance to play up and down the lineup because of his versatility. is 1A and Linus Ullmark is 1B. I’d expect similar to last year with Hutton starting 50 and Ullmark getting 30. Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel?

Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team? Dominik Kubalik. He’s a bit of an unknown coming from Switzerland, but he should get a chance to play with some talented players in the top-9. Victor Olofsson Most likely to repeat last season’s numbers: Jonathan Toews or Dylan CALGARY FLAMES Strome?

Scott Cruickshank Jonathan Toews. He’ll play on the top line and definitely play on the top Who is your team’s sleeper? unit. Strome could very well put up the same numbers, but he’ll have to prove last season wasn’t a fluke. RW Austin Czarnik (especially with LW Matthew Tkachuk and LW Andrew Mangiapane unsigned and off the premises). There is a lot of Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this opportunity in Calgary for eager up-and-comers. Czarnik, skilled, fits the season? bill. Dominik Kahun. He should be more comfortable in the NHL this season Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? and showed some potential last season.

LW Dillon Dube, who, as a first-year pro, cracked opening-night lineup What’s the goalie situation on your team? And can you project the last season. Loads of potential. Now — after 25 dates in Calgary and 37 number of games played for each goalie? in AHL Stockton in 2018-19 — he’s ready to contribute on a regular The Blackhawks could have a 1A and 1B situation in Corey Crawford and basis. Robin Lehner. Crawford may get the edge in starts if he’s healthy, but it Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? should be close.

RD Michael Stone, who, last season, suffered through a blood-clot Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team? diagnosis, missing games and growing increasingly frustrated. In August, Brent Seabrook he was bought out by the Flames … then re-signed six weeks later. Fair to say, the man is motivated. COLORADO AVALANCHE

Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this Ryan S. Clark season? Who is your team’s sleeper? Dallas LW Roope Hintz, who, in the postseason, showed glimpses of potential. Andre Burakovsky has the chance to be that player. He is going to receive more minutes in Colorado than he did in Washington. The idea is What’s the goalie situation on your team? And can you project the Burakovsky will receive second-line minutes playing next to Nazem Kadri number of games played for each goalie? and should potentially see a rise in production.

Two veterans — on identical salaries ($2.75M) — will battle for starts. As Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? far as games played — G David Rittich 52, G Cam Talbot 30. Cale Makar is the strongest choice. Everyone saw what he did for the Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team? Avalanche by scoring six points in 10 playoff games plus the fact he was a first-pairing defenseman. He’s going to be a top-four option while RD Michael Stone. The big man can rip it. running the first-team power-play unit now that is in CAROLINA HURRICANES Toronto.

Sara Civian Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season?

Who is your team’s sleeper? Tyson Jost is not necessarily a “bounce back” candidate as much as he is a moving forward sort of player. He’s not lived up to what comes with If I had a fantasy team I would sign Teuvo Teravainen. I don’t know if being a Top Ten draft pick compared to others in his draft class like he’s underrated, but he’s not obvious. Pierre-Luc DuBois or Clayton Keller.

Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? Which player on your team do you think will surprise everyone this season? Andrei Svechnikov Nikita Zadorov has the chance to be that player. He’s looked more tone Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? in camp and moved well during the first day. He’s had slow starts to his Erik Haula seasons in the past but really came on toward the end of the season last year. That extended into the playoffs. If he can do that over the course of Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this a year, then, it is only going to make the Avs stronger. season? What’s the goalie situation on your team? And can you project the Ryan Donato number of games played for each goalie?

What’s the goalie situation on your team? Philipp Grubauer is the unquestioned starter while Pavel Fracnouz is his backup. This will be Grubauer’s first year as a true No. 1 while Francouz Petr Mrazek then probably James Riemer but potentially Anton Forsberg. is coming from the AHL after spending the 2017-18 season in the KHL. Mrazek will, in all likelihood, get a considerable edge. Jared Bednar estimated Grubauer would receive around 50-to-55 games Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team? with the rest going to Francouz.

Justin Faulk once broke two sticks in two consecutive games and also Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team? broke Chris Wagner’s arm with his infamous slapshot. Wouldn’t say it’s It is a toss up between Nathan MacKinnon or NIkita Zadorov. always effective but it is always scary. MacKinnon’s shot is clearly strong but when it comes on a one-timer, it CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS has even more torque and pace than normal. Zadorov has such a powerful shot that it can do some real damage in more ways than one. Scott Powers/Mark Lazerus COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS Who is your team’s sleeper? Alison Lukan Who is your team’s sleeper? Taro Hirose (W) is a somewhat deep sleeper, but he could find himself in a prominent offensive role, potentially as high as the top six and on the Oliver Bjorkstrand has always started slow, but his shot is lethal and he’s second power play. He’s a passer more than a shooter, so don’t expect earned John Tortorella’s trust. He’ll get his game together much sooner massive goals upside, but taking a late flier on a playmaker who could htis year – if not right out of the gamte and put up 30-plus goals. see time with the Red Wings’ most electric scorer (Andreas Athanasiou) Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? might pay off. The word of caution is he’s not technically a roster lock at this point, but I’m betting he makes it and ends up as a reliable Alexandre Texier / Elvis Merzlikins (see goalie graf below) playmaker in a good situation.

Texier burst onto the North American scene late last season and was so Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? good (a point per game) in the AHL that he joined the NHL squad and stuck in the lineup through the first round defeat of the Lightning. The Filip Hronek (D) put up a half point per game in about half a season last Boston series showed the game could still get a little rich for him, but now year. It’s hard to bank on that over a full season from the 21-year-old, but he may be part of the top six – if not the top line – for Columbus this he should get power-play time and projects to be a top-four staple. season. It’s early, but he’s spent camp skating on a line with Cam Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? Atkinson and Pierre-Luc Dubois. Mike Green, if he can stay healthy, is still capable of giving you 35 points Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? depending on his power-play role. A virus limited him to start and end last Alexander Wennberg needs to bounce back and he can bounce back. It season, but there’s no sign it’s hampering him this year. He’s going on won’t necessarily be a surge in shots or goal production, but he can 34, so temper your expectations, but there’s not many other true “bounce create plays like few other when he’s on his game. Expect his assists to back” candidates for the Red Wings. sky rocket and he will continue to get time on both special teams. Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this season? season? William Nylander, especially if he plays with Auston Matthews. I think you Ondrej Kase have to throw last season out the window because of the late start, and when Nylander went to the World Championships last spring, all he did What’s the goalie situation on your team? And can you project the was post 18 points in 8 games to lead all scorers. That’s a small sample number of games played for each goalie? and just an international tournament, so don’t overreact and draft him too high, but I do think Nylander’s breakout year is coming now that last year Two guys will be battling for the lion’s share of starts. Joonas Korpisalo is behind him. will get the early edge having put in his time as Sergei Bobrovsky’s backup but he’ll have to eliminate that one wonky goal he always seems What’s the goalie situation on your team? And can you project the to allow i na game if he wants to end up owning the starting role. Elvis number of games played for each goalie? Merzlikins will be the other guy fighting for the crease – he’s considered one of – if not the – most talented goaltender outside of the NHL and this Jimmy Howard is the starter still, but coach Jeff Blashill said Wednesday is his chance to show his reputation isn’t a mirage. He’ll get fewer starts that he wants to get Jonathan Bernier more involved early on than he did early as he continues to adjust to the smaller North American ice, but if last year, in an effort to lighten the burden on Howard as he continues to he’s the real deal, the net could be his by season’s end. Right now I’d put age. It’s still Howard’s job, but something closer to a 47-35 split wouldn’t the split at 50-32 in favor of Korpisalo. be shocking after they went 52-30 last season.

Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team? Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team?

Seth Jones has the hardest shot on the team Anthony Mantha, and he’s going to use it to hit 35 goals this season…as long as he stays healthy. He’s going to be on the top line, and seemed to DALLAS STARS figure something out late last season and into the world championships, which makes him the Red Wings’ best breakthrough candidate. Sean Shapiro EDMONTON OILERS Who is your team’s sleeper? Jonathan Willis, Daniel Nugent-Bowman Roope Hintz, he was a breakout player in the playoffs, but I still feel like people don’t know who he is on national scale. Aside from that, it’s the Who is your team’s sleeper ? usual suspects in Dallas. The Oilers have a handful of different sleeper candidates, but the formula Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? is basically predicting which of several undifferentiated wingers lands on a major scoring line and what defenceman gets employed on the No. 1 Everyone should know about Miro Heiskanen by now, if they don’t, him. power play. One player worth keeping an eye on, especially in deep Denis Gurianov also has a chance to get some top-six opportunity this leagues that include hits and PIMs is Zack Kassian. He may not hang on season. to a job on the McDavid line, but he did have 13 goals and 23 points in Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? 43 games in that role from January 1 on.

Corey Perry. Not to Hart Trophy levels, of course, but he could be a DNB: I agree with Jonathan, but, just to be different, watch Oscar sneaky good add from a goal-scoring standpoint. Klefbom if he stays healthy and holds down a job on the top power-play unit. Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this season? Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel?

Matt Duchene, he won’t be as good as everyone thinks he’s going to be The Oilers lineup is so porous that multiple top-six jobs could be in Nashville. available to rookies, as well as significant defensive work. Tyler Benson is probably the best of the forward options in that his history suggests he How many games do you project for Ben Bishop and Anton Khudobin? might be productive if he lands in a major role. Defensively it’s wide open, especially on the right side; Joel Persson is starting camp in a top- Similar to last season, 45 to 50 for Bishop, 30 to 35 for Khudobin. four role and will get power play time if he makes the team, but could be Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team? overtaken by either Evan Bouchard or even Ethan Bear in that same role.

I’d like to face them all. That be a really fun story to write if we could set DNB: Benson is your forward to watch — if he makes the team. that up. Persson’s chances of making the team are higher and he could be put in more of an offensive role for a defenceman. I’d put him in the 25-point DETROIT RED WINGS range if he plays the full season in Edmonton.

Max Bultman Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? Who is your team’s sleeper? James Neal averaged 22 even-strength goals per 82 games played over Kase (Ducks), the almost Carolina Hurricane his career prior to last season, when he scored five. The Oilers are desperate for firepower and even at 32 he’s a strong candidate to claw How many games will Jonathan Quick play this season? back a good chunk of that offence. 58

DNB: Completely agree. It’s Neal. The offensive track record, plus the MINNESOTA WILD opportunity he’ll get in Edmonton, means all the makings are there for a much better offensive season. Michael Russo

Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this Who is your team’s sleeper? season? Matt Dumba’s coming off a major injury, but several NHL stars down at Elvis Merzlikins is the player I’m watching late in the draft. There isn’t any Darryl Belfry’s summit in Florida in August were raving how good Dumba certainty with this kind of prospect, but his Swiss numbers are excellent, was and he has looked exceptional in training camp. Four straight someone has to start in Columbus, and Joonas Korpisalo has hovered double-digit-goal seasons from the blue line make him a safe pick for any around a .900 save percentage for three straight seasons. He’s a fantasy owner, but look for him to really break out this season. He has boom/bust pick, but there’s a legitimate possibility of landing an NHL openly said he wants to “tickle” 30 goals. starter deep in your draft. Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? DNB: Dylan Strome had 51 points in 58 games with Chicago following This is a tough one because the Wild have five forwards 23-and-under, the trade from Arizona. Bet on him getting around 70 points this season. Kevin Fiala and Ryan Donato should see plenty of top-six ice time and What’s the goalie situation on your team? And can you project the I’m still tempted to say Luke Kunin. As of now, there’s a chance he won’t number of games played for each goalie? start the season on the power play. But the versatile forward who can play center or wing should get lots of good looks on a line with Jordan The Oilers appear set to go with the underwhelming tandem of Mikko Greenway and Mikko Koivu. He scored six goals in 11 Iowa playoff Koskinen and Mike Smith this season. Koskinen’s quality at the NHL games last spring and likes to shoot the puck. He works his butt off and level is uncertain; he was up and down last year and overall not of has a tendency to get under the skin of opponents. He has a lot of Ryan starter-caliber. Smith, despite a brilliant first-round performance, is 37 Kesler in him. and coming off a sub-0.900 SV% season. Both are shaky propositions from a fantasy perspective, though Koskinen should get about 50 games Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? and Smith the remainder. Jason Zucker. You can really chalk up his decline from 33 goals in 2017- DNB: Agreed. Koskinen 47. Smith 35. 18 to 21 last season to bad luck. In 2017-18, he registered 222 shots — eight more than 2018-19. But his shooting percentage dipped 5.1 percent Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team? from 14.9 the year before. He also led the Wild and was tied for ninth The correct answer is “any of them” but I’ll say Evan Bouchard. Darnell among all NHL forwards with 104 missed nets. The year before, he Nurse has the power, too, but Bouchard has the ability to put that shot missed the net 62 times. In 2018-19, he hit the crossbar or post 11 times. exactly where he wants it. In 2017-18, according to nhl.com, he hit the crossbar once and didn’t hit a single post. So what all this proves is he still got his chances last DNB: Zack Kassian can fire it, too. I wouldn’t stand in front of James season. He just needs to bury them. Neal’s one-timer. Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this FLORIDA PANTHERS season?

George Richards Roope Hintz. First of all, great name and flow. Second of all, this kid looked in the playoffs like he was on the verge of breaking out for the Who is your team’s sleeper? Stars.

Henrik Borgstrom (only because Frank Vatrano had 24 goals last What should fans expect from Mats Zuccarello? season) Playmaking. Zach Parise has talked all camp that he could have a dozen Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? more goals in practices if he was ready for Zuccarello to tee him up. He’s Borgstrom (year 2, likely 3C); Owen Tippett/Aleksi Heponiemi fighting to a pass-first guy, and after trading Mikael Granlund last season, the Wild make the team. could use a playmaker extraordinaire.

Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team?

Vincent Trocheck A couple jump out to the forefront, particularly Tuesday night’s exhibition opener defense partners, Brad Hunt and Matt Dumba. They’re also proof Which player on your team do you think will surprise everyone this positive you don’t need to be big to have a blinding slapper. Hunt will season? surprise many the way he can let her rip, but it’s hard to pick anybody but Dumba in this category. Of his 650 career shots, nearly half were Mike Matheson slapshots, according to nhl.com. Of his 56 career goals, exactly half Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team? came off slapshots, the most slapshot goals on the team since 2013-14.

Mike Hoffman MONTREAL CANADIENS

LOS ANGELES KINGS Arpon Basu

Lisa Dillman Who is your team’s sleeper?

Who is your team’s sleeper? Artturi Lehkonen

Nikolai Prokhorkin Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel?

Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? Jesperi Kotkaniemi

Tobias Bjornfot Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season?

Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? Artturi Lehkonen (sorry but that’s why he is unheralded)

Drew Doughty Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this season? Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this season? Pierre-Luc Dubois How many games will Carey Price play this season? Ryan Ellis.

57 NEW JERSEY DEVILS

How many goals will Jonathan Drouin score? Corey Masisak

24 Who is your team’s sleeper?

MONTREAL CANADIENS Nico Hischier might qualify as underrated/unheralded in fantasy hockey. He has the chance to make a big leap in his third NHL season. It might Marc Antoine Godin have happened last season but his running mate Taylor Hall missed 49 Who is your team’s sleeper? games. There will be a lot of focus on Hall and the new guys (Jack Hughes, Nikita Gusev and PK Subban), but Hischier could become a Artturi Lehkonen. The fourth time might be a charm for him. Traditionally “must start in any format” kind of player if he approaches 70 points with the Canadiens don’t provide many good fantasy options, and I’m not regular power-play time. sitting here saying Lehkonen will score 40. But as a junior he was recognized for his touch, and there is still a chance he might regain it. How many points do you think Jack Hughes will have in his first season? Claude Julien will give him ample opportunities to establish himself as a The per-82 game average for the first forward taken in an NHL draft in top-6 forward and, even though his defensive acumen might be the his rookie season dating back to Sidney Crosby in 2005 is 27 goals and reason why he sticks around, he can still develop into a 20-25 goal 61 points. I think, on talent, Hughes is slightly better than the average scorer. among those 14 players, but his usage (particularly being stuck on PP2 Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? at the start of the year instead of PP1) will depress his production a little. So that probably leaves him in the middle somewhere, and somewhere Arpon says Kotkaniemi, and I can see the kid reaching 50 points this around 25 goals and 60 points. year, but I’ll go with Nick Suzuki. Not for the whole season (unless you’re in a keepers league) but certainly as a potentially impactful midseason Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? addition. P.K. Subban is going to be the quarterback of a potentially lethal power Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? play and will be sufficiently motivated to prove last year was a fluke and not the start of an age-related decline. There are few bounce back options on a team where so many players had career highs last year. Jonathan Drouin needs to bounce back and Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this he has the talent to do it in style. Do I expect him to do so ? That’s a season? different story. In the late stages of a draft I’d look at Paul Byron because Two of the guys who will compete with Jack Hughes for the Calder players returning from injuries that plagued their totals can make for Trophy — Cale Makar and his brother, Quinn, aren’t just going to be sneaky good additions. If he’s healthy, Byron can still score about 22 good rookies. They’re going to be legitimate, must-start fantasy goals. He’s über competitive and will fight hard to maintain a decent spot defensemen. in the lineup. What’s the goalie situation on your team? Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this season? And can you project the number of games played for each goalie? Cory Schneider and Mackenzie Blackwood are basically in an open Jake DeBrusk up front and Miro Heiskanen on defence. competition for playing time, but Schneider will likely have an edge on How many games will Carey Price play this season? playing time to start the season. If both stay relatively healthy, my guess is Blackwood has a hot streak or two and becomes the “No. 1” guy for 62 short stretches, but Schneider plays 45 games and Blackwood gets 37.

How many goals will Jonathan Drouin score? Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team?

23 Subban, because a) he’s up there with Damon Severson as the hardest shots on the team and b) he will let it rip from anywhere and while off- NASHVILLE PREDATORS balance so it looks like you have no idea where it’s going. Adam Vingan NEW YORK ISLANDERS Who is your team’s sleeper? Arthur Staple Colton Sissons has seen his point total increase in each of the past three Who is your team’s sleeper? seasons, reaching 30 last season. Anthony Beauvillier. He’s shown flashes with 21 and 18 goals the last Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? two seasons and now, with no real alternatives, he’s pretty certain to get Dante Fabbro will be given an opportunity to play top four minutes a look with Mathew Barzal. following the departure of P.K. Subban. Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? Devon Toews. He had 18 points in 48 games as a rookie and led the Kyle Turris. Isles D in postseason scoring (1-4-5), most of it on the power play. He’s likely back on PP1 this season. Which player on your team do you think will surprise everyone this season? Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season?

Viktor Arvidsson was among the most efficient scorers in the NHL last Barzal. Still led the team last year with 62 points but with a new PP coach season, scoring 34 goals in 58 games. (He missed 24 games to injury.) If and going into the final year of his entry-level deal, he’s on a mission. he is able to sustain his excellent underlying metrics, then he could Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this become the first player in franchise history to score 40 goals. season? What’s the goalie situation on your team? And can you project the Tyler Toffoli. His team may still stink, but he won’t shoot 5.4 percent number of games played for each goalie? again. Pekka Rinne remains the No. 1 goaltender, but backup Juuse Saros What’s the goalie situation on your team? And can you project the started 27 games last season. I could see that number increasing to 30- number of games played for each goalie? 32. One would think that Semyon Varlamov and Thomas Greiss would split Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team? the duties similarly to how Greiss and Robin Lehner did last season, which was almost evenly. Lehner had the Vezina nomination but only made four more starts than Greiss, who really bounced back well last Goldman: I would not like to be on the other side of Zibanejad’s shot, year. I’d say Varlamov gets 45 and Greiss gets 37 starts. nope, no thank you.

Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team? OTTAWA SENATORS

All of them, since I’m old and terrible at hockey. But mostly Ryan Pulock, Chris Stevenson who can crank it up there with the best of them in the NHL. Who is your team’s sleeper? NEW YORK RANGERS Connor Brown. After being asked to play a defensive/bottom 6 role in Rick Carpiniello/Shayna Goldman Toronto, he’s getting a chance to play top line minutes (at least to start camp) with Brady Tkachuk and Colin White. Who is your team’s sleeper? Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? Carpiniello: Pavel Buchnevich. He has to earn it and be more committed to being engaged night in and night out, but off a strong finish to last Brady Tkachuk. Had an impressive rookie year. He’s bigger this season. season he’s getting a shot — at the start — to play on a line with Artemi He also plays a game that seems less likely to be prone to slumps. He Panarin and Mika Zibanejad, who had a career year last year and I goes to the net and gets a lot of tips and rebounds. expect to be better this year (with better numbers). Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? Goldman: Agreed with Buchnevich; I think he’s going to (finally) have a breakout season. And the boost from playing with Panarin and Zibanejad Bobby Ryan. The veteran could benefit from playing a little farther down should help his point totals, so should consistent time on the first power the lineup and get some better matchups. With the departure of Stone, play unit. Duchene and Dzingel, he should also get some more power play time.

For managers in deeper leagues, Filip Chytil could be a good late round Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this pick. He’s slated to play on the second line alongside Chris Kreider, and season? likely Kaapo Kakko, and get time on the power play. He shoots the puck Dylan Strome, Chicago. Had some chemistry with deBrincat to finish up a bunch and takes a lot of quality shots. With more minutes and more last season. skilled linemates, the points should come along with the shots. What’s the goalie situation on your team? And can you project the How many points do you think Kaapo Kakko will get this season? number of games played for each goalie?

Carpiniello: 45-50. Craig Anderson 50/Anders Nilsson 32 The coach has said he wants Goldman: ~50 points (but if he ends up moving to the first line with more of a division of labour. Nilsson finished last season strongly so if he Panarin and Zibanejad, I wouldn’t be surprised if he scored upwards of can pick up where he left off, he will get some good run. that). Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team?

Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? Thomas Chabot. Honourable mention to Nick Paul.

Carpiniello: D Brady Skjei. Had an awful ‘17-18, and an inconsistent ‘18- PHILADELPHIA FLYERS 19. Now he’s going to get a chance to play top-pair minutes with his childhood buddy Jacob Trouba. Charlie O’Connor

Goldman: In terms of fantasy value this is a tough question. Maybe Who is your team’s sleeper? Henrik Lundqvist as a second goaltender? He faces a lot of shots and I’m not sure if he’ll be fantasy relevant — he doesn’t really have a path to ideally the defense is better a limiting some of those shots this upcoming PP1 usage and might not even be an every-night guy on PP2 — but season, or at least some of the quality shots against, which should make Oskar Lindblom has a chance to really impress this year. Lindblom’s his job easier. The team should win in front of him more too, which adds speed has always been the issue, but he looks a touch quicker this year, value — although, I’m not so sure just how much more they’re going to and closed out last season with 21 points in his final 36 games. He also win. might very well be the Flyers’ second-best defensive forward behind If/when DeAngelo signs, maybe his value increases since there’s an Sean Couturier. Expect him to quickly earn the confidence of the team’s opening in the lineup for him unlike last year when there was a logjam on new coaching staff and deliver a very strong all-around season. defense. From assists to shots, power play points, and penalty minutes, Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? he should be a solid add later rounds as long as he can perform more consistently. But I think that’s more of a value increase than bounce Even if Joel Farabee doesn’t make the Flyers out of camp, he sure looks back… like the kind of forward who is going to earn his way up to the NHL level before the season. And once he does, look out — he has the upside to Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this be a play-driving forward at this level while still scoring 60+ points a season? season. Expect him to also turn into a major threat in shorthanded Goldman: Ondrej Kase. situations as well.

What’s the goalie situation on your team? And can you project the Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? number of games played for each goalie? I expect both Ivan Provorov and Shayne Gostisbehere to be much better Carpiniello: Henrik Lundqvist, 37, is still the team’s No. 1, but Alexandar in 2019-20 than they were in 2018-19, but it’s Ghost who has the upside Georgiev, coming off last season when he finished as the de-facto to be a fantasy gamechanger. The main reason why Gostisbehere’s starter, will be No. 1B. Lundqvist isn’t going to get the King’s load of numbers were deflated last season was due to power play struggles — starts any more. I suspect he’ll be in the ballpark of 55, and Georgiev 45 the usually potent PP1 simply could find the back of the net. But Ghost — or at least that’s my guess until we see how Lundqvist performs. His still helped them rack up scoring chances — the Flyers averaged 8.51 heir apparent, Igor Shesterkin, will start the season in Hartford (AHL). Expected Goals/60 at 5v4 with him on the ice but just 5.77 actual goals/60 (per Corsica.Hockey. Expect the pendulum of luck to swing the Goldman: With Lundqvist’s age in mind, and how the league’s trending other way for Gostisbehere this time around, and the point production to towards split nets, he isn’t going to have to start an overwhelming return in full force. It doesn’t hurt that Ghost has showed up at camp majority of games like he had to in years past — especially not when the especially motivated and intent on proving last year was a mere down Rangers aren’t in ‘win now’ mode and are still rebuildilng. I think 55 year and not a sign of struggles to come. games is a fair estimate, with Georgiev starting about 35 25. I think Igor Shesterkin rounds out the rest of the starts with a handful of Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this appearances. season?

Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team? The focus in New Jersey is largely on Jack Hughes and all of the new faces they brought into town this summer, but I think this is the year Nico Carpiniello: Zibanejad’s one-timer, Trouba’s point shot. Hischier moves into star-level territory. He quietly made real strides in his two-way play as a sophomore, and now Taylor Hall gets re-added to his Martin Jones. Although he’s probably never going to be a top five goalie wing. There’s real breakout potential here. in the NHL, Jones’ save percentage and goals-against average should be better than it was last regular season. After finishing last in the league What’s the goalie situation on your team? And can you project the in save percentage, the Sharks brought back assistant coach Bob number of games played for each goalie? When Brian Elliott was re- Boughner in the offseason, so they should end up playing a little bit more signed back in June, general manager Chuck Fletcher stated that he responsibly in front of their goaltenders. hopes for a 50/30 game split between Elliott and 21-year phenom Carter Hart, with quality of play deciding which goalies gets the larger share. Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this The Flyers are certainly hoping that Hart is the one who runs with the season? lead role. Dallas’ Roope Hintz. With a deeper cast of forwards in Dallas he should Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team?Had they not be in a good position to build off of his playoff performance last season. traded Radko Gudas this summer, that would have been the obvious answer, and Philippe Myers’ shot has the raw speed and power to be What’s the goalie situation on your team? And can you project the frightening. But I’ll go with Shayne Gostisbehere and his Ghost Bombs. number of games played for each goalie?

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS Jones is the starter, but there’s a battle going in training camp on for the backup position after Aaron Dell struggled last season. Dell has the Rob Rossi inside edge to begin the season with the Sharks, but he could be on a short leash with Antoine Bibeau and Josef Korenar waiting in the wings in Who is your team’s sleeper? the AHL.

Brandon Tanev was working on Evgeni Malkin’s line early in camp. The Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team? Penguins seem to view him as having Chris Kunitz-like qualities. Kunitz played with Malkin (2011-12) and Sidney Crosby (2013-14) in each of Brent Burns their last Art Ross seasons. Coming off a career-best 14 goals last season, Tanev might be a dark horse 20-25 candidate if Malkin stays ST. LOUIS BLUES healthy. Jeremy Rutherford

Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? Who is your team’s sleeper?

Marcus Pettersson played in 84 games last season. (Figure it out.) He is Robert Thomas. He had nine goals and 33 points in 70 games as a the No. 3 puck-moving defenseman behind Kris Letang and Justin rookie last year. He did that playing right wing on the third line. He’s Schultz — two players who historically have missed chunks of games. If coming off wrist surgery, but he’s healthy, he could play in the top-six and that trend continues, Pettersson would get a lot of time as a top-four the plan is to move him to center. Great skater, great skill, and most pairing defenseman, and likely see increased power-play time. importantly, unbelievable hockey sense.

Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel?

Evgeni Malkin is intent on proving he remains a top 10 player. He had Jordan Kyrou. He’s coming off knee-cap surgery and probably won’t be averaged more goals per game from 2015-2018 than any three season ready for the start of the season. But when healthy, he’s the rookie who’s stretch of his career. Last season was a mess did him, and he has been got the most legitimate chance to contribute. Kyrou played 16 games in open about changes needed to get back to form. But still, it was also an the NHL last year, and looked raw, but he dominated many of the 47 aberration. He also should benefit from having the power play run games he played in the AHL. He has something you can’t teach – speed through him. – and the Blues could use it.

Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? season? Jaden Schwartz. It was a tale of two seasons for him – the regular Phil Kessel is usually great in early runs with a club. Rick Tocchet gets season and the playoffs. He had 11 goals in 69 regular-season games him. Kessel will score 40 this season for Arizona. Is that a surprise? Well, and 12 goals in 26 playoff games, including two hat tricks. His shots per he only hit 30 once for Pittsburgh. game was actually higher in the regular-season (2.65) than the Who steps up for Phil Kessel on the power play? postseason (2.42), but his shooting percentage shot up from 6 percent to 19 percent. No one has the answer way, not even Schwartz, but it has to Jake Guentzel gets the call. He had limited power play time last season. bode well for a better regular season, right? He scored 40 goals anyway. The Penguins will play Letang and Schultz on the top unit, a two-defenseman look for first time in the Crosby/Malkin Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this era. That should mean more opportunities for Guentzel, who is sneaky at season? finding open ice. Roope Hintz, Dallas. When you think of the Stars, you think of Jamie Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team? Benn and Tyler Seguin, but Hintz caught my eye in the playoffs last year and then when The Athletic’s Sean Shapiro wrote an insightful story Malkin has a rocket. He should use it more. He will be encouraged to do about his skating, I was even more intrigued. I couldn’t believe how quick so on the power play. he could turn the jets on, and then to find out after the year he was playing on a fractured foot was jaw-dropping. SAN JOSE SHARKS How many games will Jordan Binnington play in his first full season? Kevin Kurz 58. I’m a big believer in Binnington, but he’s never played more than 45 Who is your team’s sleeper? games in a season in professional hockey. He played 32 games in last Brenden Dillon. The defenseman will likely pair start on a pair with a year’s sensational year that ended with the Stanley Cup. I didn’t see any healthy Erik Karlsson, so he could be in line to pick up a number of signs of fatigue, but he’s not playing on adrenaline any more, and dealing secondary assists if Karlsson finds his Norris Trophy contender form. with the mental rigors of the No. 1 job from the start of the season will be Dillon is also one of the few Sharks that drops the gloves on a semi- something new for him. He is the starter, but the Blues won’t be afraid to regular basis, so if you get points for PIMs, that makes him more turn to Jake Allen if Binnington needs a breather. valuable, too. Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team?

Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? Colton Parayko. And if you don’t believe me, just ask Winnipeg’s Nikolaj Sasha Chmelevski. The former sixth round pick is one of a number of Ehlers, Dallas’ Ben Bishop and a few panes of glass in the league. Sharks vying to replace Joe Pavelski and some of the other forwards that Parayko’s shot is a pain in the, well, you know. the team lost in the offseason, and if he makes the team, he’ll likely be TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING playing in a top nine role. Joe Smith Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? Who is your team’s sleeper? Lightning. Used in a depth role with Tampa Bay last season, Miller is expected to be a fixture on Vancouver’s second line – where he’s skated Anthony Cirelli. The 22-year-old became one of the team’s most throughout training camp and the preseason so far. Has some potential dependable two way forwards, but also saw his offensive confidence to hit 50 points, particularly if he can carve out a regular spot on Bo grow by the end of the year (19 goals in just 14:51 TOI, little to no power Horvat’s wing and on the first power-play unit. play). He’s coming off great performance for Canada at World Championship and could see role expand, starting camp centering line Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? with Quinn Hughes was excellent in his five game NHL cameo and will be Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? given lots of opportunities to succeed offensively. He’ll receive regular power-play minutes and could quite conceivably quarterback a strong Mathieu Joseph. He forced his way onto team last year with an first unit. impressive camp. Then scored 13 goals in bottom six role, proving dynamic w disruptive speed. Mikhail Sergachev could see expanded role Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? with Victor Hedman. Really like Alex Volkov’s skill if he makes team Sven Baertschi has always been a talented middle-six forward, but has Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this struggled with health and last season was particularly tough where he season? only appeared in 26 games. It’ll be a risk to see how he bounces back from concussion, but he has a lot of offensive ability and should be a Nikita Gusev. Nikita Kucherov’s childhood friend and former teammate solid bet for 30-40 points depending on how many games he plays. has all the tools. Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this How many games do you think Andrei Vasilevskiy will play this season? season?

Between 50-55. He played 53 last year while missing a month with He wouldn’t be surprising anyone in the analytics community, but Ondrej fractured foot. With veteran backup Curtis McElhinney, no need to Kase has a ton of breakout potential. Kase was limited by injuries last overload Vezina winner year but generated the second most shots per hour at 5-on-5 among Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team? NHL forwards. His point production has been excellent relative to his minutes (36th among forwards in 5-on-5 points per hour) so he should Steven Stamkos see a notable bump in his point totals with increased minutes.

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS What’s the goalie situation on your team? And can you project the number of games played for each goalie? Jonas Siegel Jacob Markstrom goes into the season as the presumptive starter and Who is your team’s sleeper? should be expected to play 55-60 games. Thatcher Demko is a promising I like Andreas Johnsson. It’s possible his strong finish — 18 goals and 40 backup and the organization would like to use him as often as 20-25 points in the last 55 games — was a little fortunate, but he’s starting times. camp on a line with Auston Matthews and a recharged William Nylander. Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team? That threesome could be really explosive, and Johnsson developed some chemistry with Matthews during their stint together last year. Alex Edler is easily the hardest shooter on the Canucks, but I’d have no business facing a slapshot taken by any NHL shooter. Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS Travis Dermott, though it might take some time. Dermott will miss in the neighbourhood of 12-14 games after offseason shoulder surgery, but Jesse Granger when he gets back and gets right he could push closer to 20 minutes a night. Dermott has 30 points in 101 career games, but there might be Who is your team’s sleeper? more in store offensively, particularly given the firepower around him. Shea Theodore took a major step forward during his second full season Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? in the NHL a year ago, leading all Vegas defensemen with 37 points. However, I think he could have an even bigger season in 2019-20, as he Easy. William Nylander. Nylander had the odd glimmer of his old self takes yet another step in his development. The Golden Knights shipped after missing the first two months last season with a contract dispute, but Colin Miller to Buffalo this summer, meaning Theodore is the he could never sustain it. He’s said he wants to “dominate” this season unquestioned top power play threat at the blue line. Vegas’ power play and looks primed to do so, with Matthews again at his side. Nylander had was near the bottom of the league last year, but is expected to be much 61 points in each of his first two seasons; that seems like the floor for improved. That should lead to Theodore outproducing where he’s what he should offer this season. currently being drafted.

Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? season? Most will think Cody Glass is the answer here. The No. 6 overall pick I’m still on #TeamLaine, though we’ll see if Laine is still playing in appears ready to take the next step to the NHL, and if he does make the Winnipeg by the time the season starts. Regardless, Laine has 110 team he should get quite a few minutes on the power play. But I’m going career goals and he only turned 21 in April. I’ll ride with that. a different direction. Dylan Coghlan has surprised everyone this summer with a three-goal performance at the Rookie Faceoff Tournament, and Who will have more points: Morgan Rielly or Tyson Barrie? picking up an assist in his preseason debut. Coghlan has one of the Rielly. It’s Rielly who will continue to run the Leafs No. 1 power-play unit hardest shots on the team, and if he makes Vegas’ lineup, he’ll be a and it’s Rielly who will play against lighter competition, with more starts in major weapon on the power play. the offensive zone, than Barrie. Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team? The Golden Knights went all in last summer, trading first-round pick Nick Not a lot of Leafs fire slap shots actually. Ron Hainsey led the team with Suzuki, Tomas Tatar and more draft picks to the Montreal Canadiens for 31 last season. If there’s a shot you don’t want to face period, it’s veteran winger Max Pacioretty. Pacioretty’s debut season in Vegas obvious: Matthews. wasn’t terrible, (22 goals and 18 assists) but it certainly wasn’t up to his usual standards. After speaking with Pacioretty during camp, he’s much VANCOUVER CANUCKS more comfortable in Vegas’ system, settled into the new city, and ready to get back to his usual 30-goal ways. He scored a hat trick and added Thomas Drance and Harman Dayal an assist in the Golden Knights preseason opener. Who is your team’s sleeper? Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this J.T Miller has scored at solid rates – especially on the power play – season? throughout stops with the New York Rangers and the Tampa Bay I’ll go with former Golden Knight, James Neal. He struggled mightily in In deeper pools, consider Neal Pionk or, my favourite sleeper: Sami Niku Calgary last season, but I think new scenery and more firepower on his — the former AHL defenceman of the year whose offence has always line in Edmonton could revive his career. implied a very good top four player. His ability to defend top line talent might hold him back but his skating, puck movement, and offensive Who is the MVP on this team? instincts are already top notch.

The most valuable player on the Golden Knights is without a doubt Marc- Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? Andre Fleury. The all-star goaltender the backbone of the team, and his play will likely determine if they meet their sky-high expectations this Jack Roslovic is well positioned to move from fourth line duty to a middle- year. However, the most valuable fantasy player on the team is likely six role on the wing and is in the final year of his ELC. Sami Niku could Mark Stone. He’s fresh off a career season (33 goals and 40 assists) and play as high as the top four depending on how Winnipeg starts the will be surrounded by the best talent he’s ever played with. In 13 games season. down the stretch Stone, Pacioretty and Paul Stastny had an expected goals per 60 of 3.15, which is on par with the best lines in the NHL. Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season? Expect monster numbers from Stone both at 5-on-5 and the power play. Patrik Laine, Patrik Laine, Patrik Laine.

Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team? Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this If he makes the team out of camp, Dylan Coghlan without a doubt. The season? 21-year-old rookie defensemen has a cannon of a shot from the point. This isn’t too far off the beaten path but I think Nazem Kadri could have a WASHINGTON CAPITALS bounceback of sorts in Colorado — not all of the way back to 30+ goals and 60+ points but back towards 25 goals and 55 points or so could be in Tarik El-Bashir the cards.

Who is your team’s sleeper? How many goals will Patrik Laine score this season?

Jakub Vrana’s breakout season arrived last winter, when the 23-year-old He’s tough to project because of the wild swings in shooting percentage, winger found a home on the Caps’ second line and posted career highs his usage, and his lack of a contract — as of mid-September — but my in goals (24) and points (47). But everyone, including Vrana himself, model says Laine gets 43 goals if he plays 82 games. believes there’s more there. How much more? Thirty goals? Perhaps 35? Given Vrana’s speed, skill and quick release, neither total seems out of Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team? reach. Patrik Laine. Or Dustin Byfuglien. Or any of them, really — I am but a Which youngster/rookie on your team has a chance to excel? writer of words.

Jonas Siegenthaler, at 22, figures to be the youngest player on a veteran-laden Washington roster. But that doesn’t mean expectations The Athletic LOADED: 09.20.2019 aren’t high for the defenseman, who replaced Christian Djoos in the playoffs and didn’t look back. The Caps are in win-now mode and Siegethaler will be expected to build on his strong finish.

Who is the player you expect to bounce back this season?

Evgeny Kuznetsov will miss the first three games for “inappropriate conduct” stemming from his positive test for cocaine at the World Championships. When he gets back, though, watch out. Embarrassed and humbled, Kuznetsov locked himself in the gym this summer. He crushed the conditioning tests in training camp and is eager to make amends with his organization, his teammates and fans.

Which player on any other team do you think will surprise everyone this season?

Looks like Jack Hughes is primed for a big rookie season on a Devils’ team that appears to be ascending.

How many goals with Alex Ovechkin score?

Nothing we’ve seen so far would suggest that this is the year that Ovechkin’s goal totals will begin to decline. He’s healthy, fit and hungry. And, more important, he knows his team’s championship window is closing. People within the organization are expecting another monster season from Ovi. So let’s say 48 goals.

Whose slapshot would you least like to face on this team?

Ovechkin and John Carlson are the back-to-back winners of the hardest shot competition at the NHL Skills Competition, so you’ve got to start there. But if we had to choose between the two, I’d go with Ovi’s shot. It’s not just hard, it’s always chin-high.

WINNIPEG JETS

Murat Ates

Who is your team’s sleeper?

If you like your unheralded sleepers to be NHL regulars in a good position to post career offensive totals, how about Nik Ehlers — Winnipeg’s high flying winger who, unlike Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor, has a contract as camp begins? On defence, consider that Josh Morrissey’s minutes are going to skyrocket and could include more power play time than ever depending on how long Dustin Byfuglien is away from the team. Morrissey scored at a 43 point pace on a deeper defence one year ago but was limited to 59 games through injury. 1153522 Websites certainty than we thought, with the Western Conference race depending on his final decision.

31 THOUGHTS Sportsnet.ca / 31 Thoughts: Byfuglien decision will have major ripple 1. Winnipeg had interest in Ben Hutton, but had to wait until things settled effect before formalizing anything. Hutton had to get started, and the Kings were ready.

Elliotte Friedman 2. The dynamic between the Jets and Laine is something. Agent Mike Liut went on Sportsnet 650 in Vancouver on Wednesday, indicating September 19, 2019, 12:06 PM negotiations are not close. When Chris Johnston interviewed Laine last month in Finland, the winger said there had been almost no contract talk

at all. Curious about that, I tried to find out as much as I could, and it Dustin Byfuglien followed the normal path as training camp approached. appears the Jets used much of their dialogue making sure Laine was He moved back to his NHL city, brought his family with him, enrolled his comfortable in the organization, understanding that he was valued there. children in school. He participated in informal skates with teammates, They are fulfilling that promise. Captain Blake Wheeler has bent over readying for the real thing in the second week of September. backwards to make it very clear there will be changes, and they didn’t overreact after Laine’s overseas comments about not playing on the first Physically, Byfuglien was in Winnipeg. Mentally, he was somewhere line. else. People who know Laine say he’s not mean-spirited, but is blunt and, if Byfuglien’s 42 games in 2018–19 were his fewest since he became an asked a question, will give you an answer. (I’m sure the Jets would prefer NHL regular more than a decade ago. The biggest issue was an ankle he stop giving interviews.) In the aftermath of the Byfuglien news, there injury that cost him 30 games and never fully healed. Even though he was plenty of debate about trading him for a defenceman, but that’s a had eight points in six games during the first-round loss to St. Louis, hard deal to win. He’s going to figure it out at some point. Byfuglien never fully seemed like the dynamic wrecking ball who could singlehandedly change a series — one of the most fun players the As for the contract, Laine’s going to want to push the envelope for two or league has to offer. three years. In 2016, Nikita Kucherov signed for three years and $4.77- million AAV. This week, Brock Boeser got $5.875-million for the same Now, as you’ve read, he’s away from the team, and what happens next is term. What’s Laine thinking? Nothing under $6 million, for sure. anyone’s guess. 3. NHL teams always talk about being strong “down the middle, and on “Privacy is paramount,” Jets coach Paul Maurice said Wednesday, “so I the blue line.” Assuming Connor and Laine get done, the Jets could won’t comment on any speculation.” easily have 40 per cent of their cap tied up in wingers. That seems counter-intuitive, but, interestingly enough, they wouldn’t be the only He’s not the only one who feels that way. But here’s what can be pieced contender in that situation. Vegas is just under 44 per cent, Dallas slightly together: above 41. Tampa Bay is at 39, but that’s not including the unsigned Byfuglien’s actions were not those of someone who didn’t plan on playing Brayden Point. It’s hard to find centres, so these very good teams are in 2019–20. Jacob Trouba would have been traded anyway, but, if the loading up with wingers. (Thank you to Cap Friendly for the assistance.) Jets realized earlier in the summer there was any reason to doubt 4. In the radio interview, Liut brought up Mitch Marner’s extension — Byfuglien’s availability, they would have planned for it. However, it’s specifically in reference to another client, Mikko Rantanen of Colorado. believed the ankle didn’t heal as hoped, continuing to give him problems. That signing has played out as expected, with players/agents using it to Understandably, that cooled his enthusiasm. increase/justify their asks and teams replying with, “That’s Toronto’s He’s got to play a certain way, and things didn’t look promising. You have situation, and it does not affect what we will do.” to go back to 2009–10 to find the last season he wasn’t among the top 50 The Avalanche and Tampa Bay, in particular, have a way of doing in time-on-ice per game. Tough to feel excited about that when you start business they are determined not to deviate from. That said, Brayden the year hurting. Point’s negotiation has lasted longer than anyone suspected. Will those Twelve years ago, after Anaheim won the Stanley Cup, playoff MVP teams, who historically do not budge, be willing to move? Scott Niedermayer sat the first two months of the season, contemplating 5. One of Marner’s offer-sheet dalliances was with Columbus. Initially, he his own future. The Ducks suspended him, but happily welcomed a was not willing to give the Blue Jackets term, and it would have been return when their captain was ready. Niedermayer was 34 then, the same insane for them to risk four first-rounders for, say, four years. There are a age Byfuglien is now. couple of executives who suspected GM Jarmo Kekalainen was going to He and Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff are close. The latter will give ask Marner if his feelings had changed had the stalemate lasted to the the former the time he needs. start of the season. They wonder if he will consider another player. Not surprisingly, he declined comment. We’ll see, don’t know what to make of It’s hard to know if Byfuglien simply needs a rest, or if he’s leaning it, but he’s got big brass ones. towards retiring, and the Jets have advised him to make sure that’s what he wants before he makes a decision. As a fan, I’d love to see him 6. I do think Minnesota wanted to pursue a trade for Marner (when Paul continue, because every shift promises something exciting. Ultimately, Fenton was still GM), but never got far on a contract. his health is the most important thing. Even if he walks away from the 7. Instant reaction to Thomas Chabot’s new deal: I believe this is the $14 million remaining on his contract, he’s earned approximately $60 highest second contract ever given to a defenceman. Aaron Ekblad’s million in his career. That’s more than enough for someone happiest second contract had a $7.5-million AAV. Drew Doughty‘s was at $7 when there’s a fishing rod in his hands. million and Erik Karlsson‘s was at $6.5. I always say if you can get term You’re going to hear plenty of trade rumours around Justin Faulk and on a cornerstone player, get term. This is going to save the Senators Rasmus Ristolainen, and few teams have watched more of the Sabres money down the road. defender than the Jets — Winnipeg’s director of pro scouting, Peter I’d also be curious to know how many players have signed for this high a Ratchuk, is based in Buffalo, after all. But this makes the Jets cap number in just 134 games. Connor McDavid would be there, and that’s situation even trickier. If you believe Byfuglien’s coming back, you still pretty good company. have to account for his hit. It doesn’t necessarily mean you can throw more cash at Kyle Conner and/or Patrik Laine, even if you wanted to. 8. The last group of players to really smash through the second-contract (Although, as one executive pointed out, Byfuglien retiring makes them ceiling were the defencemen. Zach Werenski got three years at a $5 less susceptible to an offer sheet.) million AAV; Charlie McAvoy got three at $4.9; Ivan Provorov got six at $6.75. There really wasn’t a comparable to push these players to a As I see it, the Central Division has five teams that can win the Stanley higher level. Now there is. Cup: Colorado, Dallas, Nashville, defending champion St. Louis, and Winnipeg. The reaction to the Byfuglien news ranged from “Wow” to “Holy $%#&” — it’s that big of a story. For now, the Jets are less of a Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey “I did,” he said on a podcast taping. “I think everyone thought it was close world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what to happening, and I’d heard that it was. It didn’t happen, so I thought they think about it. maybe I was sticking around in Colorado…. Clearly not.”

9. Justin Faulk politely declined an interview request last weekend, but He was laughing as he said the last part. agent Brian Bartlett made it clear his client “has not demanded a trade and does not want to be traded. He’s like any other player in the league 18. Barrie, who wore No. 4 in Denver, chose 94 in Toronto. What’s the right now, focusing on his team. Ninety-nine per cent of the time, these significance? don’t get out into the public. Unfortunately, this one did.” “Feels like a Russian number,” he smiled. “Four is retired here. I was Bartlett hesitated to call the Anaheim trade completely dead — “you thinking of what number I’d like to take, and 22 was a bit boring for me. never know what can happen” — but it sure looks that way. He would not I’d worn it at the World Juniors, but it didn’t really feel like my number. I comment on negotiations with either the Ducks or Hurricanes. But there was honestly thinking for a week…. My dad used to wear No. 9 and he’s haven’t been extension talks in Carolina for some time, and it is believed been the biggest influence in my career. I thought, ‘Why don’t I put 9 and the ask from the Ducks was in the $6.75-million range. 4 together?’ I could have [gone with] 49, I guess, but I didn’t like the looks of it. I said 94, and … that kind of [felt] like my number. I’m just going to 10. Jared Spurgeon’s extension helps Faulk’s case for that number. go with it.” According to industry gossip, Fenton’s intention was to put Spurgeon at Ryan Ellis’s number: eight years, $50 million — an AAV of $6.25 million. Barrie’s father, Len Barrie, played 184 NHL games from 1989-90 to The change to Bill Guerin — and the Wild’s determination to lock down 2000-01, and later was part of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s ownership their defender — moved him up to $7.575 million. Great for Spurgeon, group. who clawed up the ladder the hard way. As several executives pointed 19. One scout who watched the Flyers’ prospects a couple of times: “My out, that will raise the bar for Faulk, Tyson Barrie, Roman Josi, Torey goodness, Philadelphia is loaded.” Krug, Jake Muzzin and Alex Pietrangelo. 20. The most important of those prospects is Carter Hart, who solidified 11. Rasmus Ristolainen declined to answer if he has requested a trade, Philadelphia’s net during an unbelievable season of injury and but other NHL clubs are operating under the assumption that he has. misfortune. At the NHL/NHLPA media event in Chicago, Sean Couturier Both Zach Bogosian and Brandon Montour are hurt, and this is a big year talked about how much of a difference a full-season of Hart can make. for Buffalo. That may affect their decision-making. “It was tough never knowing who was going to be the next goalie,” he 12. As reported previously, both Carolina and Montreal are among teams said. “Guys were falling down like flies, but we found a way to stay looking closely at Dallas’s Julius Honka. I’d heard Calgary was, too, but focussed and make a push towards the end.” that does not appear recent. Expect the Flames to be very careful with Juuso Valimaki. They will not rush him back. Long career ahead of him. 21. One NHL executive reached out to clarify some reporting I’d been doing on the various RFA bridge deals. Werenski’s third season is $7 13. Teams trying to move bodies include Carolina and Vancouver. Both million, McAvoy’s is $7.3 million and Boeser’s is $7.5 million. Teams will are tight to the cap and roster limits. The Canucks have made four or five have to qualify those players at those numbers to keep their rights before players available, but I’m not sure Jake Virtanen is one of them. Head unrestricted free agency, so I was simply adding that total to their current coach Travis Green was frustrated with Nikolay Goldobin last season, but contracts for one year (Werenski/McAvoy) or two (Boeser). Basically, GM Jim Benning opted for a longer view. Could be the same here. we’re saying Werenski signed for four years at $22 million instead of Calgary may have to manoeuvre something once Matthew Tkachuk is three at $15 million. He reminded me about “cram-down” arbitration, signed. where, if the player hasn’t lived up to expectations, he might only get 85 14. It’s pleasantly weird to hear the NHL and NHLPA singing “Kumbaya” per cent of that third-season number. So, for example, Werenski is during labour negotiations. Two weeks ago, I thought the players were guaranteed $5.95 million — not $7 million. No one expects any of these going to vote to re-open, purely as a negotiating tactic. That would have players to be anything less than stellar, but I appreciated the executive created an earlier deadline for an agreement, and deadlines spur action. reaching out. A week’s worth of negotiations clearly put a majority of them at ease. 22. Annual reminder: Pay attention to the second week of pre-season You’re never going to get 700 guys to agree on everything, but according games more so than the first. It’s a better indicator of where a team truly to one agent, “Players are comfortable where things are.” sees itself.

But will there be urgency to continue on the same path? We’re human — 23. Quietly, one impressive professional career recently came to end, as we relax when things don’t need to get done immediately. That’s why Corey Locke retired after 15 years of professional hockey. Locke won there’s a full sink of dirty dishes my wife asked me to do. The players two Calder Cups (2007 Hamilton, 2011 Binghamton), a German League who weren’t crazy about the final vote worried about this. The majority, title in 2013 with the Berlin Polar Bears and was an AHL MVP. He spent however, felt it unnecessary to toss any kind of firecracker into what the last three seasons in Austria, which he loved, but it became apparent appears to be a much smoother labour journey. things weren’t going to work in the Czech Republic — for family reasons.

15. Earlier this week, the NBA informed its teams that the salary cap is “There was no international school, so my daughter and wife weren’t projected to be $116 million in 2020–21 and $125 million in 2021–22. I going to be with me,” Locke said this week. “I was not fully engaged think you’re going to see the NHL do a similar forecast. This season’s without them. And when you’re not all in, that’s when something bad ceiling was announced just days before July 1, and it was lower than happens. I knew it was time. I messaged my dad (Don) at 6:00 a.m., previously expected. That was a disaster for most teams, and many of asking if he was up. He called me 10 minutes later. I told him I was done. the middle-class players. If, for argument’s sake, we go to $83.5 next It was emotional, but it felt good.” year and $85.5 the season after, the NHLPA should be able to inform its constituency in advance about what escrow is expected to be, given the What did your wife (Chantal) say? average growth everyone is used to. That might be the best way to “She wasn’t surprised. She knew.” handle the players’ biggest concern. Apparently, the possibility of an $84.5–$86 million cap for next season was raised at the Board of 24. Locke was a dynamite junior with OHL Ottawa. He had 164 goals and Governors’ meeting, but I can see a more modest figure being put in 373 points in 229 regular-season and playoff games. Listed at five-foot- place. eight, there were questions about his skating. But I remember interviewing him when he was selected by Montreal in the fourth round — 16. Another idea that was thrown around during negotiations was a kind 113th overall — in 2003. You never forget the smile of a drafted player — of “fake cap” on escrow. The league would create a pool, and if escrow the look of pride they’ve made it that far. creeped over a certain figure (7.5 per cent?) money from that pool would go to reimburse the players. (That’s similar to the transfer payments the “I remember that day so well.The [1985] birthdays were a good class of league included in the 2013 settlement.) If the money doesn’t get used, it players. Back then, they did three rounds that first day. I really wanted to would go to the Emergency Assistance Fund, or something like that. go on that day, to be honest. But the scouts had it right. I was ranked in Don’t know if that’s the eventual solution, but it was on the table. the 60s among North American skaters, and I cannot fault where I was got drafted. It was my childhood dream to be a hockey player.” 17. Did Tyson Barrie think — on draft night — that he was getting traded to Vancouver? Locke continued to score in the AHL and overseas. When Hamilton won themselves successful. He worked for McGill University’s women’s team its championship, he had 22 points in 22 games, but was robbed of the until the Maple Leafs hired him in 2017. His feed went dark, but his future playoff MVP award by some guy named Carey Price. remains bright. Scrolling through the AHL Marlies’ website, I noticed he’d been promoted to a position as one of the team’s assistant coaches. “Oh God, please don’t write that,” he laughed. “When he got there, we Proof you can make an impact from different entry points. wondered how he [had] ever lost a game in the WHL. I remember one playoff game at Hershey, he got a shutout with something like 40 saves. 31. Theo Epstein back to the Red Sox. Calling it right here. And these weren’t routine outside-the-dot shots. They were Grade-A backdoor chances. They couldn’t beat him.”

25. Locke played his 1,000th professional game last season in Linz, Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 09.20.2019 Austria, where he’d become tight with then-head coach Troy Ward. The team did a small celebration for him.

“It was kind of funny. My wife told his wife it was coming up, and the GM asked me if I could find my career statistics online.”

Locke went to Hockey DB to look them up, and the team presented him with a jersey and a plaque. He wants to stay in the game. He took classes online to get a Bachelor of Science Management while playing and is looking at the Hockey Canada certification process while being a dad to daughter Kendersyn.

There were two pieces of advice he followed throughout his career that I thought would be good to share for young players. First: “No matter what league you are in, wherever you are, be the best player you can be. No matter where I was, I challenged myself to be the best I could be. And I kept that through my whole career.”

Second, from junior coach Brain Kilrea: “Could I be consistent? Could I be the same player Friday night in Ottawa and then Sunday afternoon in Kingston? I always fought for that consistency. I was not a regular NHLer, but I loved challenging myself to start again every year to be my best again and again and again.”

26. Finally, Locke said he was “proud of [his] career” and he should be. He played nine NHL games, and picked up one point — an assist for Ottawa against the Islanders.

Does he remember it?

“It’s not that impressive,” he said, laughing. “It was a chip off the glass in the defensive zone. Nick Foligno picked it up, skated down the ice, cut in on the defence and scored. I was going to the bench.”

Did you get a plus?

“Ha, I don’t even know.”

(The answer is yes. I looked it up.)

Hopefully, Locke finds a way to stay in hockey. He’s got a lot to offer.

Senior Writer Ryan Dixon and NHL Editor Rory Boylen always give it 110%, but never rely on clichés when it comes to podcasting. Instead, they use a mix of facts, fun and a varied group of hockey voices to cover Canada’s most beloved game.

27. Excellent trip to Saint John, N.B., where we did a special podcast with the Sea Dogs and some of their fans at Rocky’s — right next to the arena. We’ll be posting that one soon, featuring President/GM Trevor Georgie and defenceman Jeremie Poirier, a projected first-round pick. Small touch that I really liked: Above one of the doors leaving the coaches’ office was a sign saying “Praise Your Puppies.” Good reminder about dealing with teenagers.

28. The Sea Dogs are trying something interesting with their arena, newly christened as TD Station. Behind one of the nets, they took out a section of seats, creating a standing-room “lounge area” for people to mingle and watch the game. This is a growing phenomenon at all levels in North America. Don’t be surprised to see new arenas/stadia across North America built with this kind of setup, or if current ones rip out seating to try this, too. The theory is that younger fans would rather watch games this way than sit in one place the entire night. In Saint John, fans can get into that section free with a ticket to the game. Food/drinks are extra.

29. Most meaningful new tattoo of the summer: on his wrist, Toronto’s Michael Hutchison has a hand-print of newborn daughter Lilah, at 12 days old.

30. When you’re in the business, you come across plenty of young people who want to break into hockey. One of them was Jack Han. On Twitter, Han became known for his “1MinuteTactics” videos. They were good little snippets of things teams and players could try to make 1153523 Websites One player who’s shown really well through the first two exhibition games is defenceman Cale Fleury, who was taken 31 picks after Brook was in the 2017 Draft.

Sportsnet.ca / How 7 Canadiens prospects have fared after one week of Xavier Ouellet, who spent a large portion of last season as Fleury’s training camp partner in Laval, had some good thoughts on the progress we’ve seen there. He said it boils down to what he sees in Fleury’s character.

"He’s a really good kid," Ouellet said. "He’s a student of the game, he Eric Engels loves learning, he listens, he’s easy to coach and he’s easy to play with. These are great qualities. I think the whole season last year in pros kind September 19, 2019, 1:47 PM of shook him up in a good way, showed him a bit of what it takes, and he took it on and had a good summer of training and he looks good physically and is playing well." BROSSARD, Que.— One week into Montreal Canadiens training camp, a compelling competition is taking shape at both ends of the roster. Julien also likes what he’s seen from Fleury.

For a team that made it a point of emphasis to get younger and faster "He certainly doesn’t seem intimidated," the coach said. "He’s thrown one year ago, there are several candidates knocking on the door to help some big hits, he’s made some good plays, he’s skating well, moving the them advance that agenda. Many of them are showing well so far. puck quick. He’s had two solid games. Again, we have to say that we’re happy with what we’ve seen. But, at the same time, like anybody else, as Here are some notes on what we’ve seen from those players — and a camp progresses and the teams get a little better we’ll be able to couple more on the team in general as we get set for the second week of continue to evaluate him in much tougher situations. But he’s certainly, training camp. so far, been very good for us."

Cayden Primeau On Wednesday, playing in Bathurst, N.B. on a line with and Nick Cousins, 20-year-old Ryan Poehling flashed some of the same Participating in your first NHL training camp can be a sobering brilliance he showed in his tear-the-roof-off-the-Bell-Centre debut at the experience, even for a highly-touted goaltender like Cayden Primeau, end of the last season. who faced shots from some of the league’s best players as a member of Team USA at the world championships last May. To see Poehling strip the puck off Mike Hoffman, streak down the ice at full speed, make a tantalizing move on Aaron Ekblad then give Alex Asking his father, Keith, a veteran of over 900 NHL games split between Belzile a tap-in shorthanded goal in Montreal’s 4-3 win over the Panthers the Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers, what he had heard from was really something. his son after his first day on the ice opposite Carey Price and some of the Canadiens’ top players, the answer we got reinforced that reality. "It was obviously an unbelievable play," said Canadiens associate captain Brendan Gallagher, who watched the game from home. "I think it "I think people have the potential to lose sight sometimes of how young shows the kind of confidence he has in himself. I know it’s pre-season, these players are," Keith said. "Cayden just turned 20. As much as I like but when you can go out there and make an impact the way he has I say he’s very even-keeled and his temperament — he’s got such a great think it shows a lot about his character. I see a lot of young guys showing disposition — there’s still a lot of nervous energy there. After the first day a lot of moxie so far in training camp and he’s definitely one of them." of practice, he texted me, ‘Terrible.’ One word. Then it was, ‘Well, I started out good, but then a couple go by and it just became You want moxie? Here’s a quote from Poehling, taken minutes after the overwhelming. There’s a lot of things to work on.’ And I said, ‘Yeah, team’s red and white scrimmage last Sunday, that screams moxie. there’s an adjustment period.’ "Everyone has their opinions on what you can and can’t do," he said. "I "So it’s easy to lose sight about any of these kids who are 18, 19, 20 try to avoid ‘em as much as I can or at least prove people wrong. I hear years old. They’re confident players, they always have been, but even things here or there, so it’s motivation to try to prove them wrong." Jesperi Kotkaniemi, for example, Ryan Poehling, Nick Suzuki — they’re young. They’re men, but they’re young, and there’s just so much You mean like when you were drafted 25th overall in 2017 and people upwards movement for them before they’re fully developed. I know that said that at your top-end you’d be a good third-line centre, Ryan? excites people, but you just hope they don’t race to get to that point." "It’s just funny because I heard that as well and then I play two more It’ll be a long road for Primeau, who hopes to see a lot of action with the years, I get world junior MVP and people started saying I’m going to be a American Hockey League’s Laval Rocket this season. good second-line centre," Poehling said. "So where does this cap end? People are always putting limits on you, so for me it’s just to play to my The good news is, Primeau didn’t appear overwhelmed at all on Monday, potential and prove people wrong." when he registered a 4-2 win over the New Jersey Devils in his NHL pre- season debut. One other note on Poehling. On a team that depends on the speed and tenacity smaller players like Byron, Weal, Gallagher, Tomas Tatar, Josh Brook, on the other hand, did. Jonathan Drouin and Max Domi bring up front, you can’t help but wonder if the Canadiens view Poehling’s size as an element they need in their After he was placed on a defence pairing with presumed top-six lock lineup from Day 1 of the regular season? Brett Kulak at the beginning of camp, it wasn’t a stretch to suggest Brook was starting with a leg up on the competition. It was a test, no doubt. A "We certainly are aware that we need a good mixture of size and skill," show-me-you-can-handle-it assignment that, with his talent, he should be said Julien. "From Kotkaniemi coming in last year and being over six-feet capable of handling. tall, and Poehling same thing, and Poehling probably even a little older, a little stronger, that size does matter." But Brook started nervously in Monday’s game before settling into his puck-rushing, puck-moving style in the third period. Nick Suzuki isn’t short on moxie, either.

On Thursday, he’ll get another chance to show what he can do when the The 20-year-old got together with Brook and Primeau to watch Canadiens welcome the Florida Panthers to the Bell Centre for their third Wednesday night’s game and came away impressed with what he saw game of the exhibition schedule. from Poehling.

What does Canadiens coach Claude Julien want to see from him? I asked him on Thursday morning if watching Poehling excel got his competitive juices flowing ahead of a game he’ll play in with Paul Byron "It’s just maybe showing us that he can be a solid, good defenceman," and Jordan Weal as linemates. Julien said after Thursday’s morning skate. "We don’t expect him to be a real physical player, but defend well, move the puck well. Just the whole "I think every time you get out there, you want to show something package, I would say. Josh excels in the offensive part of his game. But, special," Suzuki said. "I think there’s a little competition but both of us at the same time, those players that play that way are also good with having been cheering each other on since the start. It’s fun to compete, their sticks at defending and positioning and all that stuff. So just to see if and both of us are working for jobs in the NHL, and I think both of us can the second game gives him the opportunity to be even better." make it happen." If Suzuki’s going to make it happen, it’ll be a function of how much stronger and faster he looks right now versus where he was a year ago at this time.

Don’t think we didn’t notice that Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin went out of his way to mention Suzuki’s improvement in those departments not once, but twice in this interview with Kyle Bukauskas on Wednesday.

And here are Julien’s comments on the subject:

"Not only is (Suzuki) stronger, but he’s also quicker. He did really work on his pace, but the biggest thing too is that he agreed (he needed to). He knew after camp (last year) that he needed to bring his pace up and it’s not something like we had to convince him to do (it). We told him this is what you need to do to be a real effective player at our level. So kudos to him to doing the work to become that."

It’s nice for Alex Belzile to be getting a bit of recognition here as a 28- year-old on his first NHL-AHL contract.

"His work ethic, his compete level is as good as it gets," Julien said about the Saint-Eloi, Que., native who had 19 goals and 35 assists in 74 games last season with Laval.

Because he performed so well in Wednesday’s game, Belzile is getting another chance to show what he can do against the Panthers on Thursday.

Noah Juulsen

It was one week ago, as the Canadiens were preparing to open training camp, that I crossed paths with Noah Juulsen, who said he had a fantastic summer working out and getting himself back into game shape after an eye injury limited him to just 24 games last season.

"It did a lot of skating and work with a number of NHL guys out west," Juulsen said. "I’m ready."

I asked the 22-year-old defenceman if he was feeling any lingering effects from being struck twice in the face by pucks in a November game against the Washington Capitals and he said there were none and that he was feeling great.

Two days later — and one day after participating in his first practice — Juulsen was kept off the ice for precautionary reasons after showing up to the Canadiens’ practice facility with a headache. And on Tuesday of this week, the team announced he’s seeking a second opinion on persisting headaches.

"It’s something we’re 100 per cent in support of given the injury we all know he suffered last season," said Julien later that day. "His injury wasn’t a concussion, but it remains important, for him and for his family, to get a second opinion. Like I said, we support him 100 per cent in that decision.

"At the end of the day, his health is the most important thing. He’s seen our doctors, and to get a second opinion, for him and his family, hopefully validates what we see here. At the end of the day, it’s about doing the right thing."

Amen to that.

It was a trying year for Juulsen, whose peripheral vision only returned at full capacity after four months of rest and recovery. The Surrey, B.C., native showed great promise before all of this went down. Here’s hoping he can dive right back into the process in the coming days.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 09.20.2019 1153524 Websites His 1.44 shots per game were the fewest in Miller’s career. Coupled with a 12-per-cent shooting percentage that was 4.5 points below his scoring rate over the previous three years, it was easy to see how the 220-pound power forward managed only 13 goals. Sportsnet.ca / J.T. Miller embracing journey west, potential of up-and- coming Canucks It’s equally easy to envision that goal total potentially doubling this season if Miller plays with Horvat or Pettersson and is part of an improved power play.

Iain MacIntyre | @imacSportsnet “I’ve got to get my shot volume up because I think I have a shot that can beat goaltenders,” Miller said. “I think I can score more goals. But I don’t September 19, 2019, 7:33 PM want to put more pressure on myself to score. I think I’m capable — the goals will come.”

VANCOUVER — They arrived two-by-two: two babies, two dogs, two Miller brings more to the Canucks than scoring potential. cars. J.T. Miller could have used an ark. Might have come in handy, too, “He’s a player you notice when you play against him,” Canucks veteran when the winter rains arrive on the West Coast. Jay Beagle, who spent 10 seasons back east with the Washington “It’s been an absolutely crazy couple of months,” Miller said Thursday. Capitals, said of his new teammate. “He has skill and a great shot, and “The cars and the dogs got shipped out, and we flew with the girls. sees the game so well. But his grit, that’s the thing. For me, it’s always They’re four months (old) and a year-and-a-half. I wouldn’t be able to do easy to play against players who have skill but don’t want to go into hard this without my wife and family. They’ve been super helpful and they’re areas. He’s a guy you don’t want to go into hard areas with. I thought it just trying to make this transition easier for me.” was a great trade.”

Great westerly moves across the North American continent have always There’s lots of time to find out. Part of Miller’s allure was cost certainty: a had an epic quality to them. It’s the same way in the National Hockey contract that runs for four more seasons at $5.25 million. League, where many players spend their entire careers in one “Everybody wants big minutes with great opportunity,” he said. “But I conference. Not every player who traverses the logistical gulf that think as professionals, we understand there are roles to fill. Once you’re separates the Eastern Conference and far-flung Western side of the committed to that role, you have to be a good teammate and go with it — league can adapt as Miller is trying to do. whether it’s first line, fourth line, penalty kill, power play. Whatever it is, The Vancouver Canucks acquired him from the Tampa Bay Lightning in you’ve got to bring it to the table because that’s what makes teams. June, surrendering first- and third-round picks to get the power forward “I understand the potential this team has. From the veteran core to the who has averaged 20 goals and 51 points over the last four seasons. young talent, we have some really good players. You don’t want to put The 26-year-old has spent his life in the East, where he grew up on the too much pressure on how a team will shake out, but I do think we have Ohio-Pennsylvania border near Pittsburgh and played nearly six seasons a good chance to be a really good hockey team.” for the New York Rangers before joining the Lightning 1 1/2 years ago.

The West is a new world to him. So are the Canucks, a team rebuilt Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 09.20.2019 around youth that finished 47 points behind the Lightning last season.

“I’m sure there’s a learning process here, especially with the western schedule,” Miller said before the Canucks flew to Edmonton for a pre- season game Thursday night against the Oilers. “I hear about how taxing it is over the course of an 82-game season.

“At first, you’re kind of in shock — you’re moving 2,500 miles from home. My wife and I are very home-oriented people. But we’ve had a few months to go over this and get ready for this. And now I’m so excited for this opportunity. Seeing what the Canucks gave up to get me means a lot. I want to make sure I start off on the right foot.”

For the record, Miller’s wife is Natalie, their daughters are Scotlyn and Scarlett, the dogs are labs — one yellow, one red — and J.T. has yet to encounter gridlock trying to commute to Rogers Arena across the Lions Gate Bridge.

Miller’s dad and stepmom flew out to help with the move, and Canucks centre Bo Horvat is helping with the transition on the ice.

Horvat and Miller have been linemates since training camp opened in Victoria last week.

“We’re trying to learn each other’s tendencies,” Miller said. “It’s harder in the offensive zone. Defensive zone, it’s very similar around the league. I was under the impression camp was going to be really hard, and it was. Terminology is different here, the drills are different, (and) obviously I’m playing with completely new people. I’m just trying to pick up things as quickly as possible.”

For the Canucks to make the playoffs this season, general manager Jim Benning needs to have hit on his acquisitions of Miller and another big winger, Micheal Ferland, who was signed as a free agent and has been skating with top centre Elias Pettersson.

It’s hard for the Canucks to win the Miller trade without making the playoffs. The 2020 first-round pick that Benning surrendered is lottery- protected for one year.

Miller’s goal production last season dropped to 13 from 23, and his goals- per-game were the lowest since his sophomore NHL season in 2013-14. But his average ice time was also down 3 1/2 minutes from the previous year on a record-breaking Lightning team. 1153525 Websites John a decade ago. “It’s tough, but there are a lot of battles you’re going to go through if you’re going to chase your dream. He came here, he wants to play in the NHL. Good for him.”

Sportsnet.ca / Burdasov must show Oilers he wants to be NHL player, Dimitri Samorukov made the same trip, leaving the Red Army club not just make NHL money system and landing in Guelph as a 17-year-old.

“I had, like, 15 words in my head. ‘Hello. How are ya?’ Simple words,” said Samorukov, who will be the player Burdasov leans on, though Mark Spector | @sportsnetspec Samorukov is likely AHL-bound in the next couple of days. “You were just looking at people, and you didn’t know what they were saying.” September 19, 2019, 6:27 PM They say hockey is an international language, and Burdasov certainly

knows one term: One-way contract. EDMONTON — Anton Burdasov’s agent says that if a trip to the minors If he really wants to make it here, he may want to expand his vocabulary. is deemed necessary for the player’s assimilation to North American Show some promise, sign a two-way contract, and the Oilers will know hockey, he’ll go. No problem. that he is here to be an NHL player. Not simply to earn NHL money. As long as he has a one-way contract.

The Edmonton Oilers, meanwhile, aren’t sure they’ll be able to see the Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 09.20.2019 jet-lagged Russian in a pre-season game before the weekend, when the team jets to Kelowna for some golf and two practices after having cut down to around 30 players.

So they’ll dance the dance, a 28-year-old Russian import with a wicked wrist shot, and a team flush with centremen that could sure use some production from the right side.

“How quickly can he pick things up?” asked head coach Dave Tippett, who told the story of Burdasov’s arrival at Oilers camp on Wednesday on a PTO.

Oilers assistant coach Glen Gulutzan and an interpreter — agent Shumi Babayev — poured over some video on Wednesday, trying to give the player a feel for how the Oilers do things on the ice. “The funny part was,” Tippett said, “after they went through everything, Burdasov wanted to be tested. So he’s trying to pick it all up quickly. We’ll see where he gets to.

“One thing is evident, just from the (Wednesday) practice: He shoots the puck a ton. Like, he can let it go. We’ll see where the rest of his game is. He’s a shooter, I know that.”

It would have been a great idea for Burdasov to have agreed to this PTO in August and arrived here for what they call ‘Captain’s Skates,’ where most of the team gets ready for camp in practices run by the assistant coaches. But there were visa problems, Babayez says, although it also possible that getting something with more security than a PTO was also an issue.

In the end, Burdasov brought his talents to Oilers camp in a late bid for an NHL career. At six-foot-three and 200-some pounds, he looks very much like a player. And he has the shot, which doesn’t necessarily mean he has a shot, but it can’t hurt.

To his credit, Burdasov asked if he could handle his introductory press conference in English on Thursday. He did not, however, manage to handle a single question without the help of Babayev.

Why was this the right time to come over?

“A team with a great history. One of the best centres in the league,” he said. “That’s (why this) is the time I should use this chance.”

Did he come here to play with Connor McDavid?

“I’ll be glad to play with all players, if I will catch (on with) the team,” he wisely responded. “I have a good shot. There are so many skilled players here, so I can try to be one of the ones who finishes that. The team will have more scores.”

A finisher. That would be nice, on an Oilers team that had two of the top four point-producers in the game last season, yet finished 12th from the bottom in goals scored.

It sounds far-fetched: Russian sniper arrives halfway through camp on a PTO, makes team and scores 25 goals. This isn’t Mystery, Alaska, even if it’s going to feel that way outside in Edmonton in about six weeks.

But it’s a familiar hockey journey, one that has been made by many, many Euros over the the years.

“Everything is different, the culture, you have all new people around you,” said Tomas Jurco, who came from Slovakia to play junior hockey in Saint 1153526 Websites names on the score sheet. We are more than happy to see that time gone, but does it mean nobody can even hit each other anymore?

Pre-season hockey has become an emotionless, polite brand of hockey Sportsnet.ca / Pre-season or not, Oilers' success hinges on improving where players feel like the only way to get noticed is to set up a goal or penalty kill make a diligent backcheck. It’s OK to drill the puck carrier once in a while, guys. Remember, most of the coaches are old.

They’ll appreciate some of that. Mark Spector | @sportsnetspec

September 20, 2019, 12:46 AM Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 09.20.2019

EDMONTON — After the morning skate, Oilers head coach Dave Tippett talked about the four young centremen who would have a chance to shine in a pre-season game against Vancouver. Watch them closely, he said, and we would learn something later that evening.

So, in that group of Cooper Marody, Ryan McLeod, Gaetan Haas and Ryan Malone, did any stand out, Tippett was asked post-game?

“We lost 6-1,” the coach deadpanned.

Rather than dressing a veteran-laden lineup against Vancouver on Thursday, Tippett — who plans to cut down to about 30 players after Friday’s game against Calgary — gave a bunch of hopefuls one last chance at impressing him. He dressed just six players who would be considered locks to be an Oiler on Opening Night, then sat back and watched them compete for jobs.

The Canucks, who had perhaps nine regulars, crushed Edmonton.

“We got away from our game plan after five or 10 minutes,” said defenceman Oscar Klefbom. “They were faster, stronger for 55 minutes of the game. We were sloppy, and we looked tired. They were the better team, for sure.”

Here are a few takes from this shellacking, keeping in mind that it is only pre-season. Not time to panic — yet.

• Mikko Koskinen saw his first 40 minutes of pre-season action and allowed four goals on 23 shots. One came through a screen and went high glove. The next was a breakaway — high glove. One was a cross- crease pass he likely should have deflected. The fourth, a wrist shot from distance on the power play.

“First game,” said Tippett. “Sure, there were a couple he’d like back, but it was his first game. Move on. He’ll start again (tonight versus Calgary).

Koskinen should get better as the season approaches. He’ll have to.

• If only the goaltending was the lone reminder of Oilers’ troubles past, that would be one thing. However, a team that hasn’t been able to kill a penalty since Randy Gregg manned the blue-line allowed another two power-play goals against Vancouver.

We get it — it’s not the real penalty-killing unit. But guess what? It was not the Canucks’ real power-play unit either. This has been such a sore spot for this team for so many seasons, it’s mighty clear that if the PK doesn’t get fixed, neither will the team.

• On a positive note, left winger Joakim Nygard continues to look like he can help an NHL team. His foot speed is undeniable, but we like the way he goes into traffic as well. Remember, Tobias Rieder was fast, but fast on the perimeter doesn’t mean much.

A second line of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins between James Neal and Nygard has a chance. Although you had to squint to see that, based on Thursday’s game, where Ryan McLeod centered RNH’s wingers. McLeod is a player we like a lot, but as a first-year pro we’ll be surprised if he isn’t in the big group of cuts that will likely be announced after Friday night’s game.

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The Oilers fly to Kelowna post-game, and would like to bring about 30 players along. McLeod is destined for Bakersfield, likely sooner than later.

• We go back to a time when pre-season hockey came with copious — and needless — fights, as young guys did whatever it took to get their 1153527 Websites he was about to win the Norris Trophy as the league’s top defenceman. That contract proved to be a bargain.

Chabot has Norris written all over his potential. Sportsnet.ca / Thomas Chabot signing a massive show of faith to fans by "For us, it just felt right," Dorion said. "And I think for them it also felt right. Senators "That says a lot about him as an individual but it also says a lot about his

faith in what we’re doing here." Wayne Scanlan Chabot spoke with White throughout the process, just as the teammates September 19, 2019, 3:14 PM had spoken during White’s negotiation.

What did they share, exactly?

OTTAWA — For the past 12 months – since the departure of captain Erik "That’s private," White said, smiling. Karlsson – Ottawa Senators fans have been looking for a sign from "We’re all best friends, we enjoy being with each other and we see a above. bright future here," White added. A sign that management and ownership were willing and able to sign Whether this means the second franchise player, Brady Tkachuk, also their best and brightest young talent to long-term contracts. Over the signs long term remains to be seen. Tkachuk, entering his second NHL summer, there came an overture with the six-year contract to young season, won’t be an RFA until after 2020-21. He said he is happy for centre Colin White. Chabot and the team, but wouldn’t comment on his own contract. A start. A solid start. "I mean that is still such a long way away," Tkachuk said. "I’m just Now, the mother lode. On Thursday, the hockey club announced it had thinking about tomorrow and getting better. I haven’t really thought about signed all-star, cornerstone defenceman Thomas Chabot, heir to that at all." Karlsson, to an eight-year contract worth $8 million U.S. per season. As Chabot spoke about the potential distraction if he hadn’t been able to Chabot still has a year left on his entry level deal, it effectively locks up sign until later in the season, with his RFA status approaching. Chabot for nine seasons. "It’s fun for it to be over," he said. "You’re trying to get ready for a "Today is a great day for Ottawa Senators fans," said general manager season, but you hear about it (the contract talks). It’s part of being a Pierre Dorion. human being. You think about it. For a man who often dabbles in hyperbole, Dorion might have been "Last year there were so many things about the trade deadline and understating things this time. Here’s an act that could actually stimulate a everything and now that all that is behind us, I think it’s great for bump at the ticket office, where game sales have been challenging. everyone to show up fresh at camp this year," Chabot said. "With a new This signing was a massive show of faith to fans, grown jaded over the coaching staff, we’re all getting to know each other, the identity and way past year as Karlsson, Mark Stone, Matt Duchene and Ryan Dzingel we want to play — we can really focus on what we have in the locker were traded away. Signing Chabot will convince many that perhaps this room and build something for the future years." is a true rebuild and not a financial meltdown. Elsewhere, RFA players are holding out, hoping for a bigger deal, Chabot, of course, could have become a restricted free agent next perhaps a bridge contract, but Chabot chose to re-up long term in summer, and the club would have risked offer sheets for the stylish beleaguered Ottawa. He sees things others might not about the defenceman. franchise.

For his part, the 22-year-old native of Sainte-Marie-de-Beauce, Que., "I’m a kid from Quebec," Chabot said. "It’s close to my hometown. From could not have been more excited to have what he called a "life- Day 1 that I’ve been here, every fan has welcomed me really well. changing" contract out of the way before the season starts. "Any time you’re a hockey player, all you want to do is go out and do your "When you look at it, to have a chance to play in the best hockey league best and when you have fans that really appreciate what you do out in the world, and a team that says that they want to rebuild and you’re a there, it’s the best thing you could ever ask for." big part of it, you’re just lucky to have that, to be honest," Chabot said.

"It’s a big chance for you as a hockey player." Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 09.20.2019 While the two parties had been talking since July 1, the contract got done late Wednesday night, after the Senators had defeated the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 in a pre-season game.

Originally scheduled to play, Chabot was kept out of the game. Shortly before midnight, he got his parents out of bed to share the news of his sudden wealth.

Chabot will earn $7M in 2020-21, then $7M, $4M, $8M, $10M, $10M, $10M and $8M. As is customary with Senators contracts, there are no signing bonuses in the deal.

The largest contract in Senators history is a lot of money for a player with only two seasons in the NHL, but the first-round draft choice from 2015 (18th overall) produced 55 points in 71 games as a sophomore and is only scratching the surface of his talent.

"I knew I had a good season last year, but I can be a better player — that’s something we’re going to work on the next couple of years," Chabot said.

"It’s all about getting better in my own zone. It’s never going to be perfect, but if we can get really close to that I think it’s going to be good for us as a team."

This deal could be a steal for the Senators, who like the gamble that Chabot will continue to progress and stay healthy. It is reminiscent of the contract given a young Karlsson in 2012 (seven years, $45.5 million) as 1153528 Websites It’s a history that made agreeing to the popular show – which is returning after a five-year hiatus – easy.

"The ability to promote mental health and addiction with the in-depth Sportsnet.ca / Brian McGrattan gets new dance partner on Battle of the interviews on the show I thought ‘what better way to be a face for that?’" Blades said McGrattan, who needed permission from the Flames to miss time from a player assistance gig with the organization that has him providing support and guidance for those in the organization battling anything from stress and fatigue to alcohol or substance abuse. Eric Francis | @EricFrancis "There could always be someone watching who is struggling and it could September 19, 2019, 11:17 AM really help them. So I said ‘I’m in.’"

Just because there are no fisticuffs doesn’t mean there isn’t the constant CALGARY – Flipping through video after video on his phone in search of threat of injury, pain and potential humiliation. an angle that shows his finest form, Brian McGrattan’s grin widens. "You’re always mindful the toe-picks are there," said McGrattan who has The clip he’s excited to show isn’t vintage footage from hockeyfights.com done most of his daily two-and-a-half hour training sessions in Calgary. or Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Hockey. "All the hockey players have bailed on the ice. You don’t have to lean forward much, but if you do you’re going straight down. It’s iPhone footage from a friend of the six-foot-four, 240-pound retired winger figure skating as he prepares to compete in CBC’s re-born Battle "I was watching Sheldon Kennedy on the ice with his partner and he was of the Blades. humming around the bottom circle a little too fast and toe-pick, face-first into the boards. I saw Colton go down pretty hard too. "I’ve done 1,000 Mohawks in the last two weeks — before that I had done none," chuckled the retired enforcer of a move in which skaters put "Vanessa said she and her normal partner fall a lot too when we’re their heels together, pointing their toes out to carve a turn. training and they’re tough. They pop right back up. What scares me is I’m not only responsible for myself but for her. If a lift doesn’t work I just bring "Unbelievable. I should go back to playing." her right down and give her a bear hug."

The delicious irony of the scene is that the man who actually wore a A different kind of bear hug than the type he employed from time to time mohawk at times to intimidate opponents wasn’t exactly known for his to end a fight. skating over the course of a rugged, 10-year NHL stint. "Vanessa asked me, ‘do you ever get nervous when you go out for Retiring in 2017 as arguably the NHL’s last heavyweight champion, the games?" said McGrattan, who has been working tireless on a 1:40 38-year-old McGrattan was known for throwing rights at his dance routine that will amount to the longest shift of his life. partner. "I had over 200 fights in my pro hockey career and I’ve never thought As the video demonstrates, he now prides himself on coveting his dance once before those. I will definitely be a little nervous before this." partner, Vanessa James, holding her high above his head like he long envisioned raising the Stanley Cup. Kurt Browning will be the head judge on a show hosted once again by Ron MacLean. "You’ve got to be gentle, graceful," he said of the technique employed to repeatedly toss James, a six-time French pairs champion. "I’ve basically Olympic pairs champions Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir will be guest bench-pressed Vanessa about 400 times with her over my head and judges throughout the elimination series, which kicks off with a two-hour around my shoulders." premiere.

"The ice dancing part has been real educational," he added. "How your "My composure has been good – if you miss a step in the routine you just feet have to be and how straight up and aligned your body has to be for keep going," he laughed. your feet to work… the whole thing has been eye-opening. "I’ve watched it in the past and knew how hard it was. You’ve got to work "I like how much longer the blades are. Power-wise Vanessa would blow on your breathing the whole time." the doors off any of the Flames. They are far more elite skaters than NHL And be mindful of those pesky toe-picks, which could drop an enforcer players in terms of how they can use their mobility and power of their quicker than any right hook. legs and edges.

"Man, if only I had done that as a kid. (His four-year-old son) Gabe started hockey this year and I’m going to put him in figure skating next Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 09.20.2019 year and if he wants to stay in that, great."

Starting Thursday night with a live show in his native Hamilton, McGrattan and James will face off against six other couples, which include Natalie Spooner and Amanda Kessel, as well as former NHLers Sheldon Kennedy, P.J Stock, Bruno Gervais and Colton Orr, who have all teamed with top figure skaters. The winners of the reality show get $100,000 for the charity of their choice, so the competition will be fierce. The shows will be live.

Orr has a long history of going toe-to-toe with McGrattan.

Now they’ll go toe-pick to toe-pick.

"We’ve had some epic fights," smiled McGrattan of the former Leafs enforcer he fought five times, including this beauty.

"He’s one of the toughest guys I ever played against, but at the end of our career we got pretty close as friends. To do something like this with him is pretty cool."

All of it, he insists, is pretty cool, which is why he agreed right away to join the cast and take on something completely out of his comfort zone.

As a recovering alcoholic who famously broke free of the chain of substance abuse to prolong his career more than a decade back, he’s well-versed in venturing outside his comfort zone. 1153529 Websites registered 23 goals and 80 points in 134 games in his rookie and sophomore season combined.

Jacob Trouba, New York Rangers Sportsnet.ca / Cap Comparables: Chabot's new deal shows brighter days Seven years, $56 million, $8 million cap hit | Signed: July 19, 2019 (age ahead for Senators 25)

Trouba, who was dealt to the Rangers this past summer as an RFA Emily Sadler | @EmmySadler before signing a pact in New York, earned $6 million over two years after the expiration of his ELC and then was awarded $5.5 million in arbitration September 19, 2019, 2:23 PM last summer in his second stint as an RFA. Chabot will skate past all that with his eight-year pact featuring as much job security as you can get in

this league. There’s a three-year age gap between the two, but their stats Back in February, Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk vowed he line up pretty nicely — both players hit the 50-point mark for the first time would be prepared to spend “close to the NHL’s salary cap every year in 2018-19, making for what could be fun comparison over the next few from 2021 to 2025” with the promise of an all-in, five-year run of years as they lead their respective blue lines. “unparalleled success.” Josh Morrissey, Winnipeg Jets On Thursday, the team backed up those words by signing their best Eight years, $50 million, $6.25-million cap hit | Signed: Sep 12, 2019 young defenceman, Thomas Chabot, to a lucrative eight-year extension (age 25) worth $64 million. Morrissey followed the path that we’re used to seeing with young Chabot’s contract, which kicks in beginning in the 2020-21 season and defencemen: First comes the prove-it bridge deal (or, in Trouba’s case, carries an $8-million cap hit, is much more than just a big paycheque for two of them), then you really get paid. Morrissey, 25, signed a two-year, a budding star. After a pretty brutal tear-down in Ottawa with several $6.3-million bridge deal with Winnipeg in 2018 and still has one more cringe-worthy (and very public) hiccups mixed in, Chabot’s deal year of that $3.15M cap hit before his new contract kicks in. While not represents not just hope for brighter days ahead but concrete evidence quite in the same tier of talent as Chabot, it’s a good comparison to show that the franchise is gearing up for Phase II of what has been a rough the typical trend of promising young rearguards and how much value rebuild: The Fun Part. teams place on having that solid presence on the blue line. Morrissey (19 In two seasons as a Senator, the first-round pick (18th overall, 2015) has goals, 77 points in 223 NHL games so far) doesn’t have the same proven he’s a no-brainer first-pairing defenceman who will definitely play offensive abilities as Chabot but has provided a steady hand for the Jets a strong leadership role as a major cornerstone of this exciting young — an especially crucial role in the wake of losing Trouba. Both contracts core. Erik Karlsson‘s skates are hard to fill, but Chabot’s growth and look like great investments for their respective clubs and will continue to development in the wake of Karlsson’s departure has served as the silver increase in value in the coming years. lining of what was likely the most painful part of the entire tear-down process. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 09.20.2019 For Chabot, who was scheduled to be a restricted free agent next July, signing for maximum term represents a huge vote of confidence in this franchise and its trajectory. Now, not only is the 22-year-old foregoing any RFA options, he’s also delaying any sniff of the open market until 2028. That takes him right through his 20s, typically crucial years for elite players looking to cash in on a second post-ELC deal, as he’ll be 31 years old by the time this deal expires.

This goes against the trend we’ve seen with this year’s class of RFAs, with many (see Charlie McAvoy and Brock Boeser, for example) signing bridge deals for a nice payday and betting on themselves to earn even more a few years down the road.

Chabot’s $8-million AAV will make him the highest-paid Senator next season — that’s currently Bobby Ryan, coming in at $7.25 million per year. League-wide, he’ll be tied with Jacob Trouba, Brent Burns, and John Carlson for the fifth-highest AAV at his position — that’s some elite company, but considering his career stats so far (23 goals and 80 points through 134 games while finding his footing in the pros) he’s already proven that he belongs there.

A little more cap context: Karlsson is currently the NHL’s highest-paid defenceman after re-signing with the Sharks back in June to stay in San Jose (eight years, $92-million, $11.5M cap hit), while Kings’ rearguard Drew Doughty (eight years, $88M, $11M cap hit). P.K. Subban‘s ($9M per year) and Oliver Ekman-Larsson ($8.25M) fill out the top four.

Here are three other contracts that add a little bit of context to Chabot’s new deal:

Aaron Ekblad, Florida Panthers

Eight years, $60 million, $7.5-million cap hit | Signed: July 1, 2016 (age 20)

Like the Senators with Chabot, the Panthers locked up Ekblad to his eight-year pact with a season still remaining on his entry-level contract. (Hey, when you know, you know.) Ekblad was a bit younger than Chabot when he got his start, as the 2014 first overall pick jumped straight into the big leagues after being drafted and signed his extension at just 20 years old. If you compare the players’ first two seasons, the numbers line up pretty well with Chabot showing more offensive upside early. Ekblad tallied 27 goals and 75 points in 159 games over his first two seasons, including a 39-point rookie season he has yet to top, while Chabot 1153530 Websites stable this season and has already used Miller, Josh Leivo and Jake Virtanen in that capacity in the first week of exhibition action.

TSN.CA / Five Takeaways: Canucks vs Oilers TSN.CA LOADED: 09.20.2019

Jeff Paterson

TAKEAWAYS

1) The Canucks spread their scoring against the over-matched Oilers. Six different players found the back of the net which was perhaps the best sign on the night. Sven Baertschi and Adam Gaudette are two players who need to show offensive flashes and both scored 'goal-scorer' goals on Thursday night. Baertschi crept in from the left boards and finished a back-door centering feed from Bo Horvat on a second period power play while Gaudette showed poise and patience to outwait a defender before snapping home his first of the preseason to round out the scoring. The Canucks also got goals from unexpected sources in Brogan Rafferty, Jay Beagle and Lukas Jasek. Bo Horvat was the Canucks other goal scorer and he now has a goal in each of the preseason games he's appeared in. I'm sure Horvat would be happy to skip the final week of the preseason and get to the games that count. He looks like he's in midseason form already.

2) It was a good night for the Canucks grinders as Beagle, Tim Schaller and Tyler Motte formed an effective line while Loui Eriksson chipped in with a pair of assists and played a key role in the team's penalty kill which went three for three. Schaller probably has the most to prove -- or lose depending on how you view things -- given the kind of season he had a year ago and his contractual status which may make him an easy choice for waivers before opening night. But he claims to have put in more work than ever over the off-season and has skated well through training camp and was involved on Thursday night. With Jake Virtanen scoring twice in his preseason debut on Monday, there have been noticeable efforts from a handful of players in the battle for those bottom six roles on the hockey club. The second week of the preseason -- when the pace picks up and the level of competition rises -- should make for interesting viewing to see who can separate themselves from the pack.

3) Brogan Rafferty continues to impress. His slap shot goal which opened the scoring certainly earned him attention, but it's his overall game and his calm demeanour which will likely see him survive the next wave of roster moves. The first year pro is showing signs of progress every night out after a strong training camp in Victoria. In 12:50 of ice time -- all at even strength -- Rafferty scored on his only shot of the night and registered three hits. By his own admission, there are areas of his game he wants to work on and says quicker decision making with the puck especially on breakouts is at the top of the list. But in the same breath, he believes with time and experience he'll be able to address those. While he's almost certainly destined to start the season in Utica, Rafferty certainly gives early indications he will be a big leaguer for this organization in short order.

4) Jacob Markstrom looked sharp in his preseason debut making 26 saves on the night. It's important to note that he wasn't facing many NHL shooters on this night, but that was beyond his control. He made the stops he was supposed to aside from the one puck that snuck in past him off the stick of Oilers forward Cooper Marody. Markstrom was able to lock things down on three Oiler power plays and had the luxury of more goal support than he enjoyed on many nights last season. With four games remaining on the preseason schedule, it's likely the Canucks number one netminder will get two more starts. And then he'll be the man between the pipes back at Rogers Place on opening night October 2nd when he'll see a much different looking Oilers team than he stared down on Thursday.

5) JT Miller wasn't dominant, but the Canucks newcomer had a couple of assists against the Oilers, and now has three helpers in his first two preseason games. He's very much a straight-line player who protects the puck well and has already demonstrated his playmaking ability. With a big third period lead, Canucks head coach Travis Green scaled back the ice time of his top players so Miller finished the night with 17:34 of ice time. Included in that total was 4:51 of power play (tied with Josh Leivo for tops among Canucks forwards) and 1:45 on the penalty kill. Miller has now seen short-handed duty in both of his preseason games after not being used in that role last season in Tampa Bay. On Thursday morning, Green said he was contemplating adding new faces to his penalty killing 1153531 Websites different scenarios, but it seemed as though both had an appetite for a long-term deal rather than a bridge one.

“We knew we could find a solution,” Dorion says, characterizing the talks TSN.CA / Senators finally back up their words with action - and money as positive throughout the three-month process.

The fear in Ottawa was that Chabot would become a restricted free agent next summer and be lured by a lucrative offer sheet – perhaps one front- Ian Mendes loaded with signing bonus money – the club would be unable to match. But rather than travel down the road of other RFAs such as Matthew

Tkachuk, Brayden Point and Mikko Rantanen, Chabot felt more Last February, in the middle of an Ottawa Senators game in Toronto, comfortable signing a long-term extension that avoids a prolonged and Eugene Melnyk released a statement that boldly outlined his vision to nasty contract negotiation. rebuild his team into a Stanley Cup contender. “The way I see it, everybody is in different situations,” explained Chabot. “The Senators will be all-in again for a five-year run of unparalleled “To be honest with you, it’s not necessarily anything I really thought success, where the team will plan to spend close to the NHL’s salary cap about. At the end of the day, everything with my contract I left up to my every year from 2021 to 2025.” the statement read. agents.”

The plan was met with a collective eye roll from Senators fans, who were After Chabot was scratched from Wednesday’s preseason game with an tired of watching star players walk out the door. Sens fans had morphed illness, he sat with Dorion and his agent and hammered home the final into modern-day Montreal Expos fans, essentially rooting for a club that pieces of the contract. They came to a verbal agreement on the terms collected elite, superstar players – only to watch them depart when it right around 11:40 p.m. ET on Wednesday evening. came time to pay them in the proper stratosphere. “I called my parents. They were sleeping, but I knew they wanted me to So when Melnyk promised to retain star players in the future, there call them for sure as soon as I knew,” Chabot said with a laugh. “If it wasn’t a single Senators fan – outside of Twitter’s infamous Jack wasn’t for my parents, ruining their entire weekends their whole life just to Maxwell – who believed his words carried any substantial credibility. In bring me to the hockey rink, I wouldn’t be here. I owe everything to Ottawa, words from ownership and management have often rung hollow, them.” as the actions have spoken significantly louder. As Dorion concluded his opening statement to the media on Thursday, But that long-standing narrative was quickly flipped upside down he added one final line to illustrate the significance of the Senators Thursday as the club announced the long-term extension that will keep signing Chabot to a long-term contract extension. emerging young defenceman Thomas Chabot in Ottawa through the “Just one little final message,” Dorion said proudly. “Today is a great day 2027-28 season. For once, Senators fans were pleasantly surprised with for Ottawa Senators fans.” a press release issued by the club. Whereas nobody believed Dorion when he boldly proclaimed that trading Many Senators fans have been vacillating on whether or not to embrace Mark Stone was “his best day as general manager” at the trade deadline the current rebuild, but the enthusiastic endorsement from Chabot could in February, even the most hardened Senators fan would have to admit push many of them back onto the club’s bandwagon. the general manager’s words carried a significant amount of truth on “When a team says they want to rebuild and you’re a big part of it, you’re Thursday. just lucky to have that,” said Chabot. “It’s a big chance for you as a hockey player. This is where I want to be. I love the city and I love the fans here.” TSN.CA LOADED: 09.20.2019 For a fragile fan base that has been conditioned to expect the worst outcome with star players, general manager Pierre Dorion not only hit a home run on Thursday – he hit a grand slam. Locking up Chabot to the largest contract in franchise history – both in terms of length (eight years) and dollar amount ($64 million) – is the single greatest thing to try and re- establish consumer confidence in this market.

“From the first time we sat down, both parties wanted a long-term contract. And I think that says a lot about Thomas’ commitment to the Ottawa Senators and our long-term plan,” added Dorion. “It says a lot about his faith in what we’re doing here.”

Senators fans have been ridiculed as the laughingstock of the NHL over the past 18 months, so Thursday’s development was as savoury as a playoff win. For the first time since the Senators reached the Eastern Conference Final in 2017, there appears to be legitimate optimism surrounding the hockey club.

“For us, we’ve had a plan. We knew there would be some tough days, but we’re looking forward to the great days. And getting Thomas under contract is part of our long-term plan,” explained Dorion. “We definitely feel like we’re headed in the right direction. Having Thomas play for probably the nine of the prime years of his career for the Ottawa Senators is a great thing for our fans.”

The Senators' social media team got creative following Thomas Chabot's signing, releasing an entertaining video to celebrate the occasion.

Dorion has been able to lock down two key pieces to his rebuild in the past few weeks, also inking Colin White to a six-year contract extension worth $28.75 million on Aug. 21.

“We always talk about the young core group of guys here. To see Colin sign a six-year deal, it shows that guys want to be here and be a part of it,” said Chabot.

Dorion indicated that he had initial talks with Chabot’s agents – including Ian Pulver – in early July. The two sides went back and forth with 1153532 Websites While the Senators still have lots of time, fans may wonder how Chabot's decision will impact Brady Tkachuk next year when he enters the final year of his entry-level contract next season. Tkachuk was selected fourth overall in the 2018 NHL draft and is considered one of the team's most TSN.CA / Ottawa Senators sign D Thomas Chabot to eight-year promising forwards. extension "That's still such a long way's away," said Tkachuk. "I'm just thinking about tomorrow and getting better. I haven't really thought about that at all. Staff Report "I definitely think it's exciting and the fans should be excited too because

those two signed to be here a long time and that just shows how much OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators believe the future looks a lot brighter they love playing here and how much they love the city and love the after signing star defenceman Thomas Chabot to an eight-year, US$64- fans." million contract extension Thursday.

Chabot's decision to remain in Ottawa for the next nine years — he has TSN.CA LOADED: 09.20.2019 one season left on his entry-level deal — is a statement that he believes in the Senators' rebuild process and is committed to helping turn the franchise around.

The Senators finished last in the NHL in 2018-19 after trading away three of their best players — Erik Karlsson, Mark Stone and Matt Duchene — when they couldn't sign them to extensions.

"At the end of the day to be here for the next nine years and build something together with the group and get something going and be a real competitive team within the next couple years, this can only be exciting," said Chabot, a native of Sainte-Marie, Que.

Selected 18th overall in the 2015 NHL draft, the 22-year-old Chabot has 23 goals and 80 points in 134 career NHL games.

The contract — it pays Chabot $7 million in both 2020-21 and 2021-22, $4 million in 2022-23, $8 million in 2023-24, $10 million in 2024-25, 2025- 26 and 2026-27, and $8 million in 2027-28 — is the richest deal ever awarded by the Senators.

"For us, we've had a plan," said Senators general manager Pierre Dorion. "We knew there'd be some tough days, but now we're looking forward to the great days and getting Thomas under contract is part of our long-term plan. There's a long-term process here, but we feel we're definitely headed in the right direction. Having Thomas play probably for the nine prime years of his career is a great thing for our fans."

The Senators also signed forward Colin White to a six-year, $28.5-million extension last month.

"It shows that guys want to be here, guys want to be a part of it," Chabot said. "I think when you look at it, to have a chance to play in the best hockey league in the world, and when a team says they want to rebuild and you're the big part of it, you're just lucky to have that to be honest. It's a big chance for you as a hockey player."

Discussions on a new contract started in July and Dorion said from the beginning both sides knew they wanted to get a long-term deal completed.

Chabot is hopeful his and White's decision to sign long term will entice other young players to commit to the Senators as well.

"I hope it will encourage other players to have the same intention," said Chabot. "I think it's important for everyone on this team to be on the same page and have everyone wanting to build together. There's a lot of talent and character in this room, whether it be here or in the AHL in Belleville, there's an enormous amount of talent. I think having the chance to be here for a number of years and build something together will be special and a lot of fun."

White believes both contracts should send a message to fans that the organization is on the right track.

"It speaks a lot to the management here and what they're doing to change things around here," White said. "Now that stuff's over with and it's time to focus on some hockey for us."

Having his top defenceman locked up is a huge relief for new head coach D.J. Smith.

"To have a player of that calibre that you know you have an opportunity to work with and grow with as a team for eight years is outstanding," said Smith. "He's one of the game's best defencemen and I think he has the chance to be one of, if not the best." 1153533 Websites month’s training camp boycott by the Swedish women’s national team over unfair compensation.

The Swedish Federation has failed to reach a new TSN.CA / Dream Gap Tour aims to pave way for sustainable women’s agreement with the players, and last week it was announced that hockey league Sweden is cancelling the Four Nations Cup, a yearly tournament between Canada, the U.S., Finland and Sweden, that they were set to host in November.

Kristen Shilton Hefford says she supports the Swedish players in their decision at what’s become a critical juncture for women’s hockey worldwide.

“I think we’ve been at a pivotal time since the CWHL folded to be TORONTO – When the Canadian Women’s Hockey League shuttered honest,” she said. “It really has changed the conversation. I think it’s last spring, the move united 200 female hockey players in a common made people aware of the needs and the lack of resources. If we believe goal – to build a better, more sustainable future for their sport for the next in allowing our young girls to dream like our young boys, we [have to] generation of girls. believe this is going to create stronger women for the future.” It was that dream that spawned the aptly named Dream Gap Tour, a The Dream Gap Tour is the first major step in that direction by the travelling showcase of the sport’s elite talents that kicks off in Toronto CWHL’s displaced players and executives. After the opening weekend this weekend, to entertain and educate about how women’s hockey can tournament in Toronto, stops are planned in New Hampshire and become a viable career path. Chicago, with other dates possibly to be announced. The 200 players “For a young girl who wants to be a professional women’s hockey who helped make the event a reality put aside differences of team and player, she should have that opportunity. Her dream should not be country to make it happen, and they’re steadfast in the belief its message different than any young boy who wants to play in the NHL,” said Jayna will resonate with young girls. Hefford, the Professional Women’s Hockey Players’ Association’s “Women are powerful. Women coming together, we can achieve great operations consultant on Thursday at the Hockey Hall of Fame. “[The things,” said Fast. “I hope that a young girl sees what we’re doing and Dream Gap Tour] is the idea of making women’s hockey more learns about what we’re doing and they’re inspired to continue playing accessible, creating opportunity for young girls so they can see what hockey but also realize that if there is something you believe in, you professional women’s hockey looks like.” should fight for it." This first event will feature youth clinics and a four-team exhibition tournament over Saturday and Sunday at Westwood Arena. Marie-Philip Poulin, Hilary Knight, Megan Bozek and Natalie Spooner are all expected TSN.CA LOADED: 09.20.2019 to be part of the Toronto stop.

In her role as interim commissioner of the CWHL, Hefford was at the centre of the league’s decision last May to forgo playing this season due to an “economically unsustainable” business model. Hefford knew first- hand what the league was lacking, having been one of its most decorated players from 2007-2011 and retiring as the CWHL’s all-time leader in goals (130) and points (234).

That experience convinced Hefford that without proper financial support, girls wouldn’t have a legitimate league to aspire towards playing in.

“For a long time we were just sort of grateful for what we had,” she said. “And we’re kind of just supposed to appreciate that. We’re starting to understand that we are stifling young girls at a very young age. Many of the women in these 200 players may never benefit from what they’re doing right now, but they so strongly believe the next generation of women hockey players will benefit in a big way.”

Joined at the Dream Gap Tour kick-off by Canadian Olympians and event participants Sarah Nurse and Renata Fast, Hefford outlined where the next women’s league needs to make significant improvements.

“A real sustainable league needs to have the infrastructure and the resources to provide that viability and the long-term success,” she said. “We’ve never had that real infrastructure, whether [that’s] health insurance, or ice time, accessible ice time or a living wage…having a marketing department and ticketing department, a communication department.”

While the pragmatic aspects of a new league are vital, Nurse is also driven by her own experience as a once-aspiring hockey player.

She grew up harbouring similar pro hockey dreams to her cousin Darnell, who’s now a defenceman for the Edmonton Oilers. But at seven years old, when Sarah told people she wanted to play hockey professionally, the reaction was different than when Darnell expressed the same career goal.

“They encouraged him, they thought it was a realistic goal,” Nurse said. “When I said I wanted to play hockey, they’d say, ‘Okay, what else?’ They’d say there is no professional women’s hockey, and I’d need a real job. [We] really need to see this game as an investment. This is an incredible product and we are really an investment and we’re ready to prove that to the world.”

That ambition has fuelled other fights for equal pay in hockey, most prominently with the U.S. women’s national team in 2017, but also in last 1153534 Websites NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said Tuesday that so far, the NHL has not had any discussions with the NHLPA “about modifying anything in the CBA with respect to Group II [restricted free agents].”

TSN.CA / One potential RFAs solution? Move up deadline “I have my own views on that, and I could argue the case that it would be beneficial for everybody [to move up the deadline],” Daly said. “But I’m not going to speak for the clubs because we haven’t discussed it with the clubs, and I’m not going to speak for the Players’ Association.” Frank Seravalli Currently, Daly said he believes the system is working as intended, that

when he first started at the NHL more than two decades ago, the number NEW YORK — Training camps are nearly halfway finished. But Matthew of unsigned RFAs into training camp was “a far bigger number then.” Tkachuk is training with the OHL’s London Knights instead of the NHL’s Maybe so, but this class of RFAs now accounts for some of the bigger Calgary Flames. stars in the game. Teenagers and players on entry-level deals are now Kyle Connor is working out with the Michigan Wolverines and Patrik some of the league’s most important players. Laine is spitting truth in Switzerland while he skates with SC Bern. Daly pointed to Nylander’s decision to wait until Dec. 1 last year as an One by one, players have signed and returned to their teams, but eight outlier. restricted free agents remain unsigned including other critical players “So, this is kind of a one-year event right now,” Daly said. “If it becomes such as Tampa Bay's Brayden Point and Mikko Rantanen of the something that continues and is p problematic going forward, then maybe Avalanche. it’s something that we have to address. But right now we don’t think this The reality now is that just one pressure point remains in these standoffs: is a problem...Contracts are getting signed." opening night. Less than two weeks away now, it carries the threat of not One by one, Zach Werenski set the market that got Ivan Provorov, only missing games, but also missing a paycheque. Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo signed, a predicted domino effect. Once that line in the sand is crossed, the only other real threat that exists Travis Konecny likely aided the Canucks’ dealings with Brock Boeser, is the Dec. 1 deadline, the last day for RFAs to sign and still be eligible and on and on. for the season. William Nylander took it to the limit last year, signing in Nevertheless, we’re at an impasse again, and the only real and true the waning minutes before losing a year. deadline is still 75 days away. There are a million different ways to reconfigure the NHL’s RFA dilemma, That can be easily fixed, the two owners said, and there is an appetite to but at least two owners are in favour for what they believe is a simple do so, because it’s a win-win-win scenario: for players, teams and the solution: fans. Move up the Dec. 1 deadline. “This is one of those issues; I view it as low-lying fruit,” one owner said. “In my personal opinion, it’s within everyone’s best interest to move it up,” “Hopefully, we can take care of it.” one NHL owner told TSN after Tuesday’s Board of Governor’s meeting.

“Right now, the way this has played out isn’t good for anyone. It’s tough for teams to manage the uncertainty, it’s tough for the player to miss TSN.CA LOADED: 09.20.2019 time, and it’s tough for fans to not see star players on the ice.”

“The only way to get anything done is to have a deadline,” another NHL owner said.

Both owners requested anonymity because the NHL is actively engaged in collective bargaining negotiations with the NHL Players’ Association. Any change to the CBA, including moving up the Dec. 1 deadline, would need to be negotiated with the NHLPA.

There are other ways to eliminate prolonged RFA standoffs, but each comes with their own sticking point.

For instance, entry-level (rookie) contracts could become four-year deals instead of the current three, which could then give players arbitration rights upon expiration. But that wouldn’t be very palatable for the NHLPA, given that it would give teams another year of potentially star impact players at a drastically reduced salary than what they are worth - as the market is demonstrating.

Or, all players coming off of a three-year entry-level deal could be given arbitration rights - or at least the ability for teams and RFAs to mutually agree to “mediation” to produce a new contract. But that probably wouldn’t be palatable for the teams, because it results in lost leverage.

Currently, the only leverage these RFAs have - aside from signing an offer sheet, if they’re even eligible - is to withhold services.

Moving up the deadline is one way which seemingly does not negatively impact either side.

A handful of NHLPA-certified player agents were polled by TSN on the idea of moving up the deadline and not one of them could think of an argument why that would not be beneficial to the process.

“At the end of the day, whether it’s Dec. 1 or Oct. 2 or Oct. 15, the number is ultimately what the number is going to be,” one agent said, again requesting anonymity because the NHLPA is in negotiation with the NHL. “As it is, Dec. 1 is just an arbitrary date. Why not change it to a different arbitrary date?" 1153535 Websites

YAHOO SPORTS / NHL ref calls penalty on Tampa Bay in preseason game without Tampa Bay

Stan Temming Yahoo Sports Canada

September 20, 2019

Can’t decide which of the NHL’s 31 teams to root for ahead of the 2019- 20 season? Why not go off the board and throw your support behind the newest?

(And no, we’re not talking about the Seattle franchise that will join the league for the 2021-22 campaign.)

During the first period of a preseason contest between the Florida Panthers and Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on Thursday night, Florida’s Jonathan Ang was called for tripping Montreal’s Paul Byron. While that’s precisely what happened, Dan Kelly — the referee that called the penalty — didn’t see it that way when he announced the call to the crowd.

Honestly, I like the sound of the Tampa Bay Panthers. Could you imagine the incredible squad that the two organizations would put together if they were to merge? A team with Steven Stamkos, Aleksander Barkov, Nikita Kucherov, Jonathan Huberdeau, Victor Hedman, Aaron Ekblad and Andrei Vasilevskiy wearing the same jersey would be lethal.

In all seriousness though, the gaffe was an innocent one by Kelly. Making one of the first calls of his NHL career, he simply had an innocent brain fart.

Kelly joins the league’s officiating staff for the 2019-20 season after a pretty successful career as a player. Despite never playing a game in the NHL, he logged seven seasons in the AHL (the most recent being the 2016-17 campaign with the ). And after quickly rising through the ranks as a zebra, the 30-year-old has now made it to the sport’s pinnacle.

With this verbal blunder making the rounds online, don’t expect the rookie to make this type of mistake again in the future.

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YAHOO SPORTS / Eugene Melnyk went to court to get his private plane back

Kyle CantlonYahoo Sports Canada

September 19, 2019

Eugene Melnyk had to go to court to get a private jet back from a company that was holding it over an unpaid debt, the CBC reported Thursday.

Flightpath Charter Airways claimed the Ottawa Senators owner owed more than $693,000 for the “operation, maintenance and storage” of a Bombardier Challenger 604 business jet belonging to a company Melnyk owns named Clean Beauty Collective, according to court documents filed in July.

Flightpath, which placed a lien against the plane with an intention to sell it, emailed a statement to the CBC via lawyer Heather Devine.

“Flightpath commenced an application to sell Mr. Melnyk's aircraft with the intent to pay off creditors who have not been paid.”

Court documents filed by Flightpath detailed Melnyk’s alleged use of the plane.

“For months, [Melnyk] flew the aircraft, incurred third party expenses, and demanded that [Flightpath] manage and operate the aircraft but failed to pay for insurance, NAV Canada, fuel, pilots, pilot training, maintenance, storage and repair expenditures without explanation, and without justification.”

Flightpath also said it believed that Clean Beauty Collective owed money to a “host of other companies” including several Airport and Port Authorities in Canada and the US.

Melnyk's company disputed the amounts in question, calling the numbers "incorrect and inflated.”

According to the CBC, Melnyk's lawyer, Robert Brush, says Melnyk's company “voluntarily paid into court the full amount of money that Flightpath claims it is owed.”

Money which, Brush wrote, "will sit in an account controlled by the court until a judge rules on the dispute.”

In a completely separate case, a Connecticut casino is currently suing Melnyk for more than $900,000 as the Mohegan Sun filed a lawsuit claiming Melnyk tried (and failed) to pay off a 2017 casino debt with bad bank drafts.

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